IUCN UNFCCC COP30 Technical Brief: Forests and Climate Change

Unlocking the Power of Forests for Climate Action

As COP30 convenes in Belém, in the heart of the Amazon, forests are at the centre of the global climate agenda. They are among the most effective Nature-based Solutions, absorbing nearly one-third of global CO₂ emissions each year (1 Pan et al. 2022, 2 IPCC, 2022), regulating water cycles, conserving biodiversity, and supporting the livelihoods and well-being of hundreds of millions of people. At the same time, continued deforestation and forest degradation are
diminishing these vital contributions, with significant implications for global mitigation (3 WRI 2025) and adaptation efforts. Recognizing the multiple roles of forests within the climate system is therefore essential for shaping an ambitious global response under the ParisAgreement.