Over the past 150 years, deforestation has contributed an estimated 30 percent of the atmospheric build-up of
CO₂. It is also a significant driving force behind the loss of genes, species, and critical ecosystem
services. However, in the international policy arena, biodiversity loss and climate change have often moved in
wholly unconnected domains.

—
Climate, Biodiversity, and Forests, World Resources Institute, 1998

Carbon Sinks and Land

A mechanism suggested for tackling climate change and warming has been the idea of using "Carbon Sinks"
to soak up carbon dioxide. To aid in this, reforestation, or planting of new forests, have been suggested. This
is a popular strategy for the logging industry and nations with large forests interests, such as Canada, the
United States, various Latin American nations, and some Asian countries such as Indonesia.

While there may be some potential in this solution, it
cannot be effective on its own. This is because it
legitimizes continued destruction of old-growth and pristine forests
which are rich ecosystem and have an established biodiversity base (albeit shrinking now) that naturally
maintain the environment (at no cost!). Creating new forest areas would require the creation of entire ecosystems.
It is also criticized for being a quick fix that doesn't tackle the root causes effectively and doesn't lead to,
or promote actual emissions reduction.