There is no tackling climate change without forests. Preserving them in the face of today’s climate and biodiversity crises is vital as they are one of the main reasons why our planet supports life. Deforestation is putting at risks our climate, nature and livelihoods with almost 1.6 billion people depend on forests for food, water, wood and employment. With deforestation responsible for nearly 15% of global CO2 emissions, conserving forests is the most cost-effective way to abate carbon emissions. It needs to happen now and at a large-scale.

The role of forests in the global carbon cycle and climate change is fundamental – there is no solution to the climate crisis without ending tropical deforestation. This report shows examples of how many governments and businesses can become part of the solution supporting governments and projects to implement on a large scale.

Forests are an essential part to climate action, with the potential to deliver 18% of the emissions reduction we need. However, REDD+ programmes have attracted criticism and distrust over the years. Based on thorough perception and reputational research, this reports offers insights into how to frame forests as an essential solution to climate to raise awareness and reach greater impact.
In this research we are learning from decades of REDD+ projects, with insights into the reputational challenges and opportunities REDD+ has faced as attention shifts to jurisdictional approaches to forest conservation.