Forests are more than just trees. Covering 1/3 of the Earth, they are vital to our climate and future. These unique ecosystems are home to more than half of the world’s animals, plants and insects. Through their capacity to remove and store carbon from the atmosphere, forests play a vital role in combatting the climate crisis. Forests also buffer the impacts of storms and floods, and supply drinking water for nearly half of the world’s largest cities. Yet, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate: each year approximately 12 million hectares of forest are destroyed. The #UnitedNations Environment Programme (UNEP) is working towards a future with healthy and sustainably managed forests around the world – for people and planet. 📸: unep #ForNature #ClimateAction #GlobalGoals