The rainforest the world forgot: the Congo basin is the second largest on Earth, so why is it being neglected?

The Guardian
The Guardian
2h ago 1 view
The Congo Basin, a vital carbon sink, is largely overlooked in global climate discussions and funding, despite its ecological importance.
The rainforest the world forgot: the Congo basin is the second largest on Earth, so why is it being neglected?
A What happened
The Congo Basin, often referred to as the 'lungs of Africa', is the second-largest rainforest globally and plays a critical role in carbon absorption. Despite its ecological significance, it has been largely neglected in climate policy and funding discussions. A recent conference in Brazzaville aimed to address this issue, but it received minimal global attention. The basin absorbs around 600 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, but this figure is declining due to rising deforestation rates. Funding for the Congo Basin is disproportionately low, with only 16% of international rainforest funding allocated to it from 2008 to 2022. Experts emphasize the need for increased research and local scientific expertise to better understand and protect this vital ecosystem, which is home to numerous endangered species and supports millions of people across Africa.

Key insights

  • 1

    Critical Carbon Sink

    The Congo Basin absorbs 600 million tonnes of CO2 annually.

  • 2

    Funding Disparity

    Only 16% of rainforest funding goes to the Congo Basin.

  • 3

    Need for Local Expertise

    Training local scientists is essential for better research.

  • 4

    Rising Deforestation

    Deforestation rates in the Congo Basin are increasing.

Takeaways

The Congo Basin's ecological importance cannot be overstated, yet it remains underfunded and overlooked in global climate discussions. Immediate action is needed to protect this vital rainforest and its role in combating climate change.

Topics

Climate Change Sustainability