Gains and losses in forest area vary globally, and the impact divers greatly between the various crops used for biofuels. Forest-cover is enhanced through forestation or by natural expansion, and reduced either by deforestation or natural disasters which may prevent forest from naturally regenerating itself. Forest degeneration is often caused by overexploitation of forest areas by humans, pests, disease or recurrent forest fires. Generally, this implies a change in the health and vitality of a forest ecosystem. Reduced forest cover entails increased carbon emissions. Henceforth payment for ecosystem services, which contribute to conservation or increased forest cover,offer a promising way of countering climate change.

Year: 2012

From collection: Biofuels Vital Graphics - Powering Green Economy

Cartographer: Riccardo Pravettoni, UNEP/GRID-Arendal