World leaders pledge to end deforestation by 2030

The UK has gained the backing of more than 100 countries to end deforestation, covering more than 33.6 million square kilometres, a statement from the UK prime minister's office read.

“We will have a chance to end humanity's long history as nature's conqueror and instead become its custodian,” said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, calling it an unprecedented agreement.

According to the British government these leaders represent around 85 percent of the world’s forests to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.

More than US $19 billion in public and private funds have been pledged toward the plan, which has been backed by major polluters Brazil, China, Colombia, Congo, Indonesia, Russia and the United States.

Forests are important as they act as a buffer as they absorb carbon emissions out of the atmosphere to prevent climate change. But despite their importance, forests are disappearing. 

According to the World Resources Institute the world lost 258,000 square kilometers of forest in 2020 alone.