What’s Happening
As part of his domestic Earth Day agenda, President Biden will sign an executive order today to protect forests on public lands. The order would establish an inventory of “old growth” and “mature” forests, set targets for reforestation, and direct the State Department to deter deforestation abroad. The order does not place restrictions on logging of mature or old-growth trees, a point of contention between environmentalists and the logging industry.
Why It Matters
Although it does not have the power of durable legislation, this executive order is a step in the right direction to promote natural climate solutions and increase forest health. Forests worldwide absorb twice as much carbon as they emit, according to a recent study published in Nature Climate Change. The potential of forests both in the United States and abroad to mitigate climate change is enormous.
My Take
The Biden Administration is right to prioritize natural climate solutions and demonstrate that the climate change conversation is not only about energy and infrastructure. We need a dynamic, multifaceted approach to this issue, and that approach must include harnessing the power of nature to fight back against climate change.
This is why ACC has been a consistent champion for natural climate solutions through our Rooted in America campaign. Empowering folks on the ground to be effective conservationists and, in turn, take climate action is imperative.
Quote Me on It:
“Natural climate solutions are a huge piece of the climate puzzle, and it’s encouraging to see the Biden Administration prioritize this policy area on Earth Day. We can’t effectively fight climate change without the power of nature.” – VP of Government Affairs Quill Robinson