# As countries are preparing to update their national climate pledges, experts are urging them to include concrete targets to end deforestation and restore forests. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, every year, humanity clears ten-million hectares of forests, an area equivalent to the size of Portugal. Tropical areas alone release more than 5.6-billion tonnes of planet-warming greenhouse gases every year. UNEP says not only do forests support rich biodiversity and provide for human societies and economies, but they also play a vital role in stabilising the climate.
UN Environment Programme says halting deforestation can help counter the climate crisis