Deforestation is a global crisis that deprives local communities, whole countries – and the planet more widely – of the productive and protective benefits of forest systems. Deforestation is predominantly a consequence of opening new areas to agriculture, mining and timber exploitation, or replacing degraded farmland. Deforested areas cannot retain rainfall well and face soil degradation and loss, often compounded by increased flood and landslide risks.

The World’s largest forest regions are in the Amazon, South Asia, and the Congo Basin, with each experiencing rapid rates of deforestation. Indigenous Peoples as well as poorer countries and communities are disproportionately affected by deforestation. At the same time, deforestation is also a major contributor to the climate crisis because it re-releases much of the carbon stored by trees into the atmosphere. 

The international policy to reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) is helping to provide incentives for countries to protect forest resources. Deforestation can be prevented by disincentivizing and reducing the consumption of products linked to deforestation, ensuring forest-friendly supply chains, direct action to protect forests, and returning control of traditional forest lands to Indigenous Peoples.

Remove 1 Tree for each player who has Agriculture Emission tokens.

If this Crisis was face up during the Local stage and players tucked Local Project cards under it, this effect can be reduced by 1 for each card tucked under this card.

• Leading the Way in Regenerative Cotton (Haiti Smallholder Farmers Alliance, SFA)

• Deforestation Success Stories | Union of Concerned Scientists (Union of Concerned Scientists)

• Deforestation (National Geographic)

• Campaign for your government to end deforestation in your country.

• Advocate for your government to support local people and agricultural workers to switch to regenerative farming systems.