International negotiations are in the final stretch on the road to Copenhagen and a post-Kyoto climate agreement. Our research and communications efforts around climate change focus on ensuring that not only are forests fully considered in this agreement but that it recognises the rights of indigenous people and forest-dwelling communities.

• Research on enhancing the role of forests in mitigating climate change

  Deforestation and forest degradation account for around 20 percent of all global carbon emissions, which is more than the entire transport sector. In addition, tropical forests naturally absorb a further 15 percent of carbon emitted through human activity each year. So reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, or REDD, is on the agenda for inclusion in the post-Kyoto climate agreement.

  Given the value being placed on carbon in the open market, REDD could mean that forest conservation will now be able to compete financially with the underlying causes of deforestation, like agricultural conversion, timber extraction and infrastructure development. Our research is focused on ensuring that any such scheme is designed and implemented  to deliver effective emissions reductions, cost-efficient methods and equitable distribution of benefits. More

• Research on enhancing the role of forests in adapting to climate change

  Our approach to climate change adaptation is two–pronged: adaptation for forests and forests for adaptation.

  Even seemingly minor changes in climate can have devastating consequences on forests, for example by making them more susceptible to drought, insect attack and fire. Our research looks at adapting forest management so as to reduce the vulnerability of forests to climate change.

  Climate change is already leading to a greater frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, like floods, droughts, fires and cyclones. Poor communities in developing countries are particularly exposed to these events. Our research looks at the role forests can play in reducing people's vulnerability to climate change impacts.

• Simply REDD: CIFOR’s guide to forests, climate change and REDD

  When people debate climate change, they often use scientific and technical language. The terms and acronyms we hear can cloud the issues if we do not know what they mean. This simple guide has been produced to help journalists, policy makers, NGOs and interested global citizens better understand the importance of forests in combating climate change. It also highlights issues that CIFOR’s research has identified as crucial if the global climate agenda is to progress in a way that is effective, efficient and equitable.

  Glossary: Coming to terms with forests and climate

• Essential reading

  • Our publications on climate change mitigation  
  • Our publications on climate change adaptation

• Newsroom

  Talk to an expert, download images or read our latest media releases.

• Forest Day 3

  Forest Day 3 will coincide with the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December. Negotiators expect to finalise a post-Kyoto global climate agreement there. The event will build on the success of Forest Days 1 and 2 in helping to ensure forests remain high on the agenda for a future climate agreement. Forest Day 3 will be hosted by CIFOR, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and the Government of Denmark. It will be held at the Radisson SAS Falconer Hotel, Copenhagen, Denmarkon 13 December. More