Forests & Land Use

Forests and sustainable land use are essential climate solutions.

They can mitigate climate change, benefit people, and protect the environment.

But today, land use—from deforestation, land degradation, and the draining and burning of tropical peatlands, to fertilizer application and rice and cattle production—is responsible for about 25 percent of human-related greenhouse gas emissions. More effective land use can protect the climate by reducing carbon emissions and preserving natural carbon sinks.

The Climate and Land Use Alliance

The ClimateWorks Forests and Land Use program is led by the Climate and Land Use Alliance (CLUA), which supports policies, practices, and partnerships that halt and reverse forest loss, advance sustainable land use and development, and secure the rights and livelihoods of indigenous and forest communities.

Effective Land Use Policy & Finance

Advancing land use policies and finance that help countries achieve ambitious climate targets and contribute to sustainable development.

Secure Community Rights & Management

Supporting indigenous and traditional communities’ land rights and management of their forests, and stopping the killing and criminalization of environmental defenders.

Deforestation- & Conflict-Free Agricultural Commodities

Eliminating deforestation, land degradation, illegality, and social conflict from global supply chains and related financial investments.

Strong Standards & Transparency for Infrastructure and Extractive Industries

Establishing strong environmental, social, and governance standards, and increasing transparency and oversight of investments in infrastructure and extractive industries.

Awareness of Forests and Lands as Climate Solutions

Increasing understanding of forests and lands as essential to people and the planet to improve policy outcomes and land use practices.

Natural Carbon Capture

Increasing the role of forests and lands as carbon sinks, while ensuring forests retain ecosystem, livelihood, and other values for local communities.