REDD - Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD)

Deforestation is occurring at a rate of approximately 13 million hectares (or 32 million acres) and per year, an area about 50 times the size of Luxembourg or 180 times the size of Singapore. Deforestation results in the release of carbon dioxide (with small amounts of carbon monoxide and methane) into the atmosphere. It is the second biggest contributor to climate change after emissions from burning fossil fuels, accounting for up to 20% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore reducing and/or preventing deforestation is important in mitigating climate change.

Deforestation is not evenly distributed throughout the world but primarily in developing countries and frequently driven by timber, agriculture and road expansion. In fact, Indonesia and Brazil account for 50% of the world's deforestation emissions. The irony is emitting countries are usually associated with increasing development and GDP, but the deforestation activities generally have low economic returns.