THERE is a little recognized but vital element to re-engaging the United States in solving the problem of global climate change: forests. Creating financial incentives to protect forests and promote tree planting would be attractive to poor nations but also to American companies and farmers, giving the United States government a potent political reason to get involved in international climate policy. And time is running out. The recent British-commissioned report by Sir Nicholas Stern emphasized the urgency of strong action now — from all countries — to avoid massive economic disruption in future decades. One major obstacle preventing American participation in an international climate regime is the lack of binding commitments on the part of developing countries. This is where forestry comes in.

News notes are courtesy of Southern Forests Network News Notes
www.southernsustainableforests.org