Monday, August 2, 2010: 11:30 AM-1:15 PM
413, David L Lawrence Convention Center
Organizer:
Christina McCain, Environmental Defense Fund
It’s undeniable that 2009 and 2010 will go down in history as critical turning points in the climate change discussion, and progress on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) will be no exception. Estimates indicate that tropical deforestation has contributed between 12% and 20% of global carbon dioxide emissions annually over the last decade – more than all the cars, trucks, planes, and ships on the planet. “REDD” is a policy approach that will link financing for reducing greenhouse gas emissions with large-scale conservation efforts for tropical forests.
As the world has looked to the U.S. domestic action and the international climate talks for signs of progress on halting climate change, REDD has grown as a critical element of the policy and scientific discussion. Tropical forest country governments, scientists, multilateral aid groups, environmental groups, and U.S. policy makers are investing tremendous energy into REDD.
What are the critical elements are currently in place to make REDD a major step forward for tropical forest conservation, climate change mitigation, and poverty alleviation? Where are the knowledge gaps? How can we take the progress that’s been made and ensure the best outcomes for people and the environment, and what are the roles of scientists and policymakers in the process?
Join the Environmental Defense Fund for an interactive, up-to-the-minute overview of the latest developments in international and domestic climate policy, and how governments, from the local to the national levels are working to get REDD right.