Abstract

A novel economic model for reducing deforestation is being proposed by the Coalition for Rainforest Nations at the current United Nations climate change conference in Montreal. A new player in the climate change game, the coalition is proposing economic incentives for conserving tropical forests while contributing to climate stability. The coalition's proposal seeks to create new markets while reforming outmoded market and regulatory mechanisms. From the perspective of tropical countries, this change would make conservation a financially viable policy, with real economic returns. Instead of pitting the traditional conservation groups against industrial countries and busiiness, this model appeals to all constituencies. This proposal offers a window of opportunity for the global community to reconsider the long-term ramifications of our current deforestation policies while supporting thoughtful efforts by developing nations to address climate change.

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Citation

Heal, Geoffrey, and Kevin Conrad. "A Solution to Climate Change in the World's Rainforests," Financial Times, November 29, 2005.

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