Intact Forests in the United States: Proforestation Mitigates Climate Change and Serves the Greatest Good

摘要: Climate change and loss of biodiversity are widely recognized as the foremost environmental challenges our time. Forests annually sequester large quantities atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), store above below ground for long periods Intact forests – largely free from human intervention except primarily trails hazard removals - most carbon-dense biodiverse terrestrial ecosystems, with additional benefits to society economy. Internationally, focus has been on preventing tropical forests, yet U.S. temperate boreal remove sufficient CO2 reduce national annual net emissions by 11%. have potential much more rapid removal rates biological sequestration intact and/or older forests. The recent 1.5 Degree Warming Report Intergovernmental Panel Change identifies reforestation afforestation important strategies increase negative emissions, but they face significant challenges: requires an enormous amount land, neither strategy can growing young trees during critical next decade(s). In contrast, existing their ecological termed proforestation is a effective, immediate low-cost approach that could be mobilized across suitable all types. Proforestation serves greatest public good maximizing co-benefits such nature-based unparalleled ecosystem services enhancement, water air quality, flood erosion control, health benefits, low impact recreation scenic beauty.