REDD+: An Important Technology
for the Climate
Forests are the lungs of our planet. They absorb the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen (O2), which we need to breathe. However, the logging and deforestation of forests, especially of tropical rainforests, produce significant amounts of greenhouse gases that speed up the process of climate change. Protecting our global forests is crucial to maintaining the ecological balance of our planet. The REDD+ project technology makes a contribution to this. Find out why it can help global climate action and how your company can support it here.
What is REDD+?
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+ for short) was developed by the international community to protect forests. The concept has been a mechanism of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) since 2005 and is intended to make sustainable forest management and reforestation financially attractive.
The REDD+ mechanism makes it possible to generate funds for conservation measures through the sale of carbon credits. Among others, local communities of indigenous peoples in the Global South can also benefit from this, as they demonstrably reduce deforestation through conservation measures. The aim is to create incentives for forest conservation, reduce CO2 emissions and protect biodiversity, while also improving the living conditions of the local population.
An Effective Way to Protect Forests
REDD+ is an approach developed by the United Nations to help countries in the Global South protect their forests. Through financial incentives, the mechanism helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and diversify economies without cutting down forests.
The plus in REDD+ stands for the immense importance of forests for all living creatures on earth, for the major role that sustainable forest management plays, and for the need to build up carbon storage in forests in developing countries. It is a holistic concept.
Did you know?
The Amazon rainforest produces 20% of the world's oxygen? Protecting it is essential!
3 Benefits of REDD+
Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Protecting forests prevents deforestation. Every tree that is not cut down stores large amounts of carbon and reduces the release of greenhouse gases. The older each tree and its entire forest becomes, the better.
Protects Biodiversity
Forests are home to countless animal and plant species. Half of all life on earth is found in tropical forests alone. Protecting them preserves biodiversity and thus a crucial resource for our future.
Improves living conditions of native communities
Forest conservation projects create jobs, income, education, access to clean drinking water and health care for the local population in the global south. The revenues from the sale of verified emission reductions contribute to poverty reduction and provide prospects for indigenous peoples, among others.
How do forest conservation and
REDD+ projects work?
Implementing forest conservation and REDD+ projects requires careful planning and cooperation with local communities. This is because collaboration is critical to achieve climate goals while taking into account the rights and needs of the people.
A key component of the mechanisms of REDD+ is the involvement of the respective governments and local communities in order to create sustainable acceptance for sustainable forest protection. These projects can be implemented thanks to funding from carbon credits. Companies that support these projects by buying carbon credits know that their contribution is leaving a positive impact that otherwise would not have taken place.
First Climate’s extensive project portfolio includes hundreds of climate projects, including many REDD+ projects.
First Climate's forest projects for companies
Forest conservation and REDD+ projects are important tools in the fight against climate change. They help to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity and improve the lives of people in the Global South.
8 reasons it's worth it for companies
to invest in forests
1. Forests ensure life on earth.
2. Forests create jobs, and when managed sustainably, can be a secure sustainable source of income.
3. Forests provide us with essentials like oxygen, food, firewood, and materials for buildings and medicine.
4. The livelihoods of more than 1.6 billion people depend directly or indirectly on forests.
5. Global forests regulate water cycles, protect soil from erosion, and prevent droughts and floods.
6. 75 % of known animal and plant species live in forests.
7. The cultural and spiritual value of forests is significant.
8. Deforestation is the second largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions globally.