World leaders at COP26 promise to end deforestation by 2030 – but what is it, and how can we all play our part?
Deforestation has been a hot topic this week, with leaders at COP26 announcing they would be taking major steps to halt the process in the next decade.
But what exactly is deforestation, and why should we care about the loss of our trees and forests across the world?
Here, we lay out the basics of deforestation, including ways in which you can help personally.
What is deforestation?
To truly understand what deforestation actually is and its impact on our planet, we have to first cover the basics in terms of why forests and trees are so important in the first place.
Forests are hubs of biodiversity, and also work as huge carbon stores that absorb large amounts of carbon. In fact, forests absorbed twice as much carbon than they emitted in the last two decades. This has prevented more carbon from being released into the earth's atmosphere, which leads in turn to global warming and thus, forests help to regulate the overall climate of earth.
If you therefore take away these forests, not only is a huge amount of carbon not being absorbed in future, but the initial impacts of cutting them down are dire; the CO2 that was being ‘stored’ within them before is now released into the atmosphere.
Kinari Webb, MD, founder of Health In Harmony and author of GUARDIANS OF THE TREES: A Journey of Hope Through Healing the Planet explains that forests are “the lungs of the earth.”
“If we lose the rainforests, it is game over for human civilisation. If we completely stopped fossil fuel burning tomorrow, but we continued to lose our rainforests, so much carbon would be emitted that we would go over irreversible tipping points.”
Deforestation is the act of clearing these crucial forests usually for a financial gain, to use the space for agriculture, or to build things like palm oil plantations. And scarily, it's happening at an alarming rate. According to Global Forest Watch, around 10 percent of tree cover has been removed since 2000. 21 years to strip the planet of 10 percent of its trees? Pretty shocking, right?
Deforestation now accounts for around 12-13 percent of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere, making it high up on the list of causes for global warming and the devastating effects that come with it. Other impacts of deforestation include the loss of biodiversity destruction of habitats, and exploitation of local communities.
What are world leaders promising to do about deforestation?
The terrifying state of deforestation was at the forefront of discussion at this month's COP26 discussions.
Talks culminated in world leaders including those from the UK, EU, China, Brazil, and the US signing the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forest and Land Use, which aims to put a stop to global deforestation, and reverse the effects of existing deforestation over the next ten years.
The huge deal will be funded by £14 billion from private finance and public funding, and aims to protect forests, restore degraded land, and support indigenous communities.
In fact, a minimum of £1.25 billion of the funding will go towards these communities, who are crucial in protecting the land. A UN review undertaken this year detailed that more than 250 studies found that deforestation rates are lower in indigenous territories in Latin America than elsewhere.
Webb explains: “When rainforest communities have ownership of land and the resources to thrive they are the absolute best guardians of the trees and the health of our planet. These communities should be in the driver's seat as they know what the best solutions are in their specific region so that they and the forest can simultaneously thrive.”
Indigenous people still face a whole host of discrimination and persecution however, meaning their protection and support is crucial.
The deal signed this month also features a pledge from prominent CEOS to ditch damaging activities that are linked to deforestation.
Tackling deforestation effectively is said to have the same potential carbon cutting effects as taking every car in the world off the roads, so it's a highly worthwhile pursuit. But is it possible?
While this remains to be seen and time will tell, one example of a success story is Costa Rica. Located in Central America, it is the only tropical country that has completely tackled deforestation. This even led to them winning the Earthshot prize this year.
What can you do about deforestation?
Tackling deforestation of course needs to take place on a mass scale, but there are many little things we can all do within our lives that can contribute to the solution. “We all have a role to play, and it can begin with eating less meat, divesting from banks that are supporting deforestation, listening to Indigenous and local rainforest communities, and recognising that we are all interconnected,” says Webb.
Here are some small changes you can make:
One of the biggest contributors to deforestation is the production of palm oil. Huge areas of trees are clearly yearly to make room for plantations for the stuff, which you'll find in everything from food to beauty products.
It has previously been argued that ditching palm oil altogether is the way to go, but increasingly, we're beginning to realise that that could just mean switching from one oil to another, and simply shifting the problem elsewhere.
Doing your research and ensuring the palm oil used in your products is sustainable is now recommended, according to several experts we spoke to recently.
To do this, you can check out the British Beauty Council’s Sustainable Beauty Coalition's Planet Positive Beauty Guide, which explains how to easily check a brand's eco-credentials. The guide advises choosing Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO), which can be sourced for both oils and products of these oils, so it's important to check on that in your ingredients list or on a brand's website.
Money certainly can't solve everything, but it sure can help.
Times are tough for everybody at the moment, but if you have any spare cash and would like to donate it to a worthy cause that will help to fight deforestation, there are plenty to choose from.
These include the Amazon Watch, Rainforest Alliance, Rainforest Trust, Health In Harmony, and WWF.
We can all do our bit to minimise our own carbon footprint, and thus contribute less to the ongoing problem of CO2 emissions.
One way is to reduce or cut out meat consumption from your diet. As so much deforestation takes place to make room for agriculture, the less and less meat that is consumed, the less desire there will be for this to happen.
In fact, it's been suggested that cutting out meat could be the 'single biggest way to reduce your impact on Earth.
Some beauty brands are really stepping up and making the effort to tackle the issue of deforestation through responsible production and consumption methods.
Beauty — as one of the biggest culprits in palm oil usage — has been making changes lately, and certain beauty brands are doing their bit.
Take a look at the following brands and products to invest in that are supporting anti-deforestation:
Fable & Mane Hair Oil
Fable & Mane Pre-Wash Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil, £29, Fable + Mane
Fable + Mane is committed to protecting tigers from the effects of deforestation. Since 2019, it has donated over $100,000 towards tiger protection charities, and uses it platform to spread the important message. Purchasing a product from the brand therefore helps towards these efforts, and thus, indirectly supports maintaining rainforest biodiversity. The brand's hair oil is its star product, using an aromatherapeutic blend to soothe the senses as much as the hair on your head. It also helps to protect the scalp, and promotes hair growth.
Klorane Dry Shampoo
Klorane Daily Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk for All Hair Types, £7.49, Boots
French pharmacy favourite Klorane has been helping in anti-deforestation efforts for some time now. It launched the Klorane Botanical Foundation, which is passionate about replanting trees. In fact, in over ten years, an impressive 90,000 trees have been planted of varying species. When it comes to which products to buy from the brand, you'd be hard pressed to find a better selection. The oat milk dry shampoo is a particular favourite however, and works on all hair types.
Weleda Skin Food
Weleda Skin Food Cream, £9.37, Boots
Weleda is one of the leading brands in sustainable palm oil sourcing. It is a member of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), and a member of the Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil (FONAP). Weleda also collaborates with the non-profit organisation Borneo Orangutan Survival, which helps to protect orangutans that have been displaced through deforestation, as well as in reforestation efforts. Support the brand through purchasing its products; you can't go wrong with a tube of Skin Food, which can be used on dry or sore areas, as well as a facial moisturiser for the ultimate pre-makeup glow.
Plant Dpt Moisturiser
Arctic Moss & Wild Fern City Hydration Day Cream, £39, Plant Dpt
New brand Plant Dpt partner with rainforest charity Cool Earth to raise awareness and funding for rainforest communities working to halt deforestation, donating £1 from every product sold. It's a great addition to the plant-powered skincare revolution, with formulas that counteract daily skin damage, and which are ideal for sensitive skin types. The Arctic Moss & Wild Fern Hydration Day Cream is at the top of our list.
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Rahua Salt Spray
Rahua Enchanted Island Salt Spray, £32, FeelUnique
Rahua harnesses the power of ungurahua nut oil in its products, which is a traditional ingredient derived from the Amazon rainforest, handmade by the communities that live there. The brand's aim has always been to support the indigenous people living within the Amazon rainforest, which in turn helps to protect the land. It also works alongside Ecoagents to preserve acres of the jungle. Our favourite new buy from the brand (alongside its many shampoos and conditioners) is this salt spray, which delivers perfect beachy texture.
Bolt Beauty Cleanser
Filthy Clean Home Jar, £30, Bolt Beauty
TikTok famous brand Bolt Beauty is proud to be carbon neutral, and have opted to only use the Gold Standard carbon credit system as a way to offset their carbon emissions. This in turn helps to support anti-deforestation efforts, and makes for an overall eco-friendly brand with sustainable credentials. The brand's products all come in little capsules made from seaweed, which are compostable after use. The cleansing capsules are particularly handy for travel.
Ethique Shampoo Bar
Professor Curl Solid shampoo for curly hair, £12, Ethique
Zero-waste beauty brand Ethique is known for its commitment to leaving as little impact on the planet with the production and consumption of its products as possible. As a regenerative company, Ethique avoids destructive processes like deforestation, as well as having policies in place that contribute to the recovery of these spaces. Every one of its hair, skin, and body bars comes without wasteful packaging too, meaning less waste overall. The latest launch has been designed for curly hair.
Selfless By Hyram
Niacinamide & Maracujá Daily Barrier Support Moisturizer, £24, Selfless By Hyram
When creating his brand, YouTuber Hyram wanted to not only produce top tier skincare products, but to do so in a way that protected the planet and inspired social change. Each ingredient used is sourced responsibly and sustainably, to ensure a balanced carbon footprint. The brand also partners with some important causes to give back, including the Rainforest Trust, which is committed to tackling the effects of deforestation and protecting our trees. While all the products are excellent, we particularly love this moisturiser, which promotes a healthy skin barrier.
