Mechanisms for Avoiding Deforestation and Forest Degradation

Large amounts of carbon are stored in natural forests, mainly in the tropics. Deforestation causes the emission of most of the stored carbon into the atmosphere, either by burning of slashed wood, or gradual decay. The scale of emissions from deforestation makes it imperative for the international community to take action. However, until now no international climate policy framework has existed that provides incentives to reduce deforestation and degradation. Recently, interest in including avoided deforestation under the UNFCCC has increased substantially and several proposals have been tabled. Here, we group these proposals and give an overview of how they are in line with the overarching principles of environmental effectiveness, cost efficiency and equity of a global deal.