Forests Help Reduce Green House Gas Emissions: WWF

Faizan Hashmi Published August 10, 2016 | 06:21 PM

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th August, 2016) : World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan chapter director Dr Ijaz said on Wednesday that forests were the major source of carbon store and help in reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions.

Talking to APP, Dr Ijaz said that when forests are destroyed, carbon dioxide and other hazardous gases are released which increase climate change impacts and global warming. He further said that deforestation was increasing the chances of silting in dams and soil erosion and make the area more vulnerable to climate change impacts. Before harming forest one should know their ecological and economical value, he added.

Dr Ijaz said that the country has one of the largest semi-arid mangrove forests in the world which protect coastal communities from natural calamities such as storms, cyclones and floods.

These forests also serve as a potential habitat for shrimp and marine life, and economically support fisher communities.

He said that unfortunately the ecological importance of these forests has been ignored for long which has caused great loss. Trees contribute to environment by providing oxygen,improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife, he further added.

He said trees control climate by moderating effects of the sun, rain, wind and leaves absorb and filter the sun's radiant energy.