UN: Forests face growing risk of wildfires and pests due to climate change

A recent FAO report emphasizes the vital role of forests in agrifood systems, warning that deforestation, particularly in tropical regions, exacerbates climate change effects, threatening agricultural productivity, the UN website reported on Monday.

In 2023, wildfires globally emitted an estimated 6,687 megatonnes of CO2, with boreal fires contributing nearly 25% of wildfire emissions, the source mentioned.

The report highlights the increasing vulnerability of forests to pests and diseases, with significant damage projected in North America by 2027.

With global wood demand soaring to four billion cubic meters annually, innovative solutions are essential.

FAO advocates for technological, social, policy, institutional, and financial innovations, including AI for data analysis, to enhance forest resilience.

Emphasizing inclusive approaches, FAO is working to foster responsible innovation in the forestry sector to support sustainability and improve livelihoods worldwide.