UNESCO’s Post

Despite clear scientific consensus, the landmark Paris Agreement, and a youth-led global movement, the effects of global heating on ecosystems and human health continue to rise. Since land is both a source and a sink of greenhouse gases, nature-based solutions such as forest conservation, agroforestry, sustainable land management, and landscape restoration offer a clear path forward – yet they receive only 3% of climate funding. Human survival is intrinsically linked to forests, yet deforestation and forest degradation continue alarmingly. The consequences will be tragic – especially in biodiverse tropical areas – with looming mass extinctions of plants and animals and an increased likelihood of infectious diseases. #ClimateAction #NatureBasedSolutions #ForestConservation #SustainableLandManagement #LandscapeRestoration #Climateandcorporate #Sustainabilitylearnings #PrachiJain

With 80% of the world's tropical forests at risk, deforestation and threats to biodiversity will be critical issues at the 2023 Summit of the Three Basins(@Summit of the Three Basins of Biodiversity Ecosystems and Tropical Forests ).  As home to critical ecosystems like the Congo Basin, the Amazon Basin, and, the Southeast- Asia forests. Collective action is urgently needed to preserve these regions. Through platforms like the Summit, we hope more initiatives, investments, and policies will protect tropical forests and combat climate change.  Our future depends on leaders stepping up to safeguard these ecological lungs of the planet.  #3BasinsSummit #Deforestation #Biodiversity

Freshwater ecosystems are vital to the planet's health and biodiversity. But human activity and the climate crisis are disrupting water cycles, putting these ecosystems under pressure. Since 1970 freshwater populations have declined by an average of 83%, more than any other species groups. Habitat loss and barriers to migration routes account for around half the threats to these populations. How UNEP works to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems: https://lnkd.in/dyyUVV-b

Freshwater ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining the planet's overall health and biodiversity. However, they are currently facing significant challenges due to human activities and the climate crisis, which disrupt water cycles and exert pressure on these ecosystems. One alarming statistic is that since 1970, freshwater populations have declined by an average of 83%, making them the most impacted species group. The decline is primarily attributed to two main threats: habitat loss and barriers to migration routes. Habitat loss, often caused by activities like deforestation and urbanization, leads to the destruction and degradation of freshwater habitats. This loss of suitable habitat negatively affects the survival and reproduction of various freshwater species. Barriers to migration routes, such as dams and other infrastructure, impede the natural movement of aquatic species. These barriers disrupt critical life processes, such as reproduction and access to food sources, ultimately leading to population decline. Addressing these threats and protecting freshwater ecosystems is of utmost importance. It requires implementing conservation measures that focus on preserving intact lake and river ecosystems within large protected areas. Immediate action is necessary to safeguard these vital habitats and mitigate the ongoing decline in freshwater biodiversity.

Imagine if we treated ecosystem restoration like a diversified investment portfolio. Each type – forests, oceans, farmlands, even urban areas – is like a unique asset class. Restoring them isn't just good environmental sense; it's like balancing our portfolio for long-term sustainability. We can't just focus on the 'blue-chip' forests; we need the 'small-cap' peatlands and 'emerging market' urban ecosystems too. It's not just about preventing ecological bankruptcy; it's about investing in a prosperous, sustainable future. After all, in the business of planet Earth, we're all stakeholders. For a detailed exploration, visit the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration website https://lnkd.in/dXXnjxXD

Preserving our freshwater ecosystems is paramount for the health of our planet. The alarming 83% decline in freshwater populations since 1970 underscores the urgency of action. Addressing habitat loss and migration barriers is crucial, and collaborative initiatives are key to securing a sustainable future for these essential water systems. 🌊🌍 #FreshwaterEcosystems #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #UNEP

This is great information to know, we must support initiatives that care and protect mangroves ecosystems around the world given that it is clear that climate change and man-driven deforestation are affecting this important habitat. Not only for the species that live there but for the benefits that bring to us all.

🌳 Trend of Tree Cover in Tanzania and its Impact on Climate Change 🌲 🗺 Data from the Global Forest Watch (https://gfw.global/47Z1AZX) shows that "In 2010, Tanzania had 24.7 Mha of tree cover, extending over 26% of its land area. In 2022, it lost 161 kha of tree cover, equivalent to 63.7 Mt of CO₂ emissions". 🗺 🌄 Context in Climate Change: 🌄 🌴 The reduction in tree cover implies a decrease in the capacity of Tanzania's ecosystems to absorb and store carbon dioxide. Trees act as "carbon sinks," helping mitigate climate change by sequestering CO₂ through photosynthesis. 🌴 🍂 Deforestation, often driven by factors such as logging, agriculture expansion, or urbanization, contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The loss of tree cover, as indicated, translates into a substantial release of stored carbon into the atmosphere, intensifying the global climate change crisis. 🍂 🎓 Monitoring and understanding changes in tree cover are crucial for climate change mitigation efforts. Sustainable forest management and conservation practices are essential to maintaining and restoring tree cover, supporting both local ecosystems and global climate resilience. 🎓 #climateresilience #naturebasedsolutions #parisagreement #cop28

Not only are these systems important for our protection from climate change, they’re also useful for the development and strengthening of our immune system, particularly when we are exposed to their elements during the early summer months. Reasonable exposure to nature has also been proven to induce parasympathetic nervous system responses that reduce stress and hypertension, a common diagnosis of inhabitants near the equator. #climatehealthimpact #equator

Mangroves are ecosystems that protect us from climate change, preserve biodiversity, support livelihoods and more. In the first study of its kind, the FAO and experts from around the world have mapped the current state of mangrove forests and how they have changed over time. The goal? To help safeguard these ecological treasures. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eAhbDHrV