WHY DO CITIES NEED FORESTS?

Cities depend on forests for better climate resilience, water resources, biodiversity, and health. Conversely, cities can provide immense value and protection to forests. With 2/3 of humanity estimated to be living in urban areas by 2050 – equivalent to an additional 2.5 billion people – the policies and procurement practices of cities (as well as the values, votes, and consumption patterns of residents) have enormous potential to support the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of forests. Many cities already support forests in some way, by preserving parks and natural areas, or by creating “green infrastructure” and watershed management programs. However, few cities have initiatives to support the faraway forests that are vital for combating climate change. Cities4Forests seeks to change that.