Research shows that in the territories of the countries that are part of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, including Europe, North America, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, there are over 1.76 billion hectares of forests, which accounts for more than 40% of the total global forest cover.
Despite the fact that the area of forests in this region has increased by 60 million hectares (with particularly noticeable growth observed in Europe and Central Asia), the situation on a global scale is bleak — approximately 10.9 million hectares of forest are lost each year.
The critical situation has arisen due to the increase in forest fires and droughts caused by rising temperatures, decreased humidity, and pest invasions.
For example, in 2021, wildfires destroyed 12.6 million hectares of forests — comparable to the area of Greece. Additionally, another 73 million hectares of forests were affected by insects and diseases, which is roughly equal to the combined area of Spain and Portugal.
On the topic Kyrgyzstan plans to double the area of forest cover in the country
Experts warn that if current trends continue, forests that are currently important carbon sinks may begin to release carbon, jeopardizing the achievement of global climate goals.
In anticipation of the climate summit COP-30, which will be held in Brazil, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe has urged world leaders to take more active measures to protect forests, including preventing fires, combating pests, and large-scale restoration of forest areas.
It was previously reported that Kyrgyzstan is considering the possibility of doubling the area of forest cover in the republic.
