Forests are crucial to our survival and wellbeing
Forests capture and store vast amounts of carbon, are primary watersheds storing and releasing fresh water, are sources of the clean, cool air we breathe, and are habitat and refuge for thousands of species above ground and trillions of living organisms below ground in the soil. In the fight against climate change, the conservation, restoration and stewardship of forests should be our highest priority.
Older forests are even more complex and capture and store far more carbon over time than do younger ones. Recent research reveals that trees in mature native forests are social creatures, interacting with each other, sharing knowledge, and taking care of their community, behaving like a living organism rather than a collection of parts.
Protecting mature and old-growth forests are a safe and proven system for removing and storing atmospheric carbon
The 30 x 30 Initiative
In January 2022, the United Nations' Convention on Biological Diversity released a policy framework calling for action at the local, regional, national and global levels to protect 30% of the planet's lands and oceans by the year 2030 to stem the loss of species, stop climate change, and prevent ecosystem collapse.
Sierra Club has joined with dozens of other environmental organizations to meet the challenge of protecting 30% of America's lands and waters by 2030. We are working to make this a reality at the local, Chapter, and National level.
Our Next Ten Years - Sierra Club's Vision to Save Lands, Waters and Climate
