Forests Hide Fossil Fuel Threat Underneath

Vast forest areas across 68 nations are unknowingly situated above significant fossil fuel deposits, according to a recent study. The potential extraction of oil, gas, and coal reserves beneath these forests could release an estimated 317 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This quantity far surpasses the global threshold for limiting warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit, highlighting a critical, yet often overlooked, environmental challenge.

India, China, and Indonesia bear the brunt of this risk, possessing the largest volumes of fossil fuel reserves beneath their tropical broadleaf forests. Specifically, these nations account for 118, 98, and 47 gigatons of potential pollution, respectively. Indonesia faces particular concern, with 95.6% of its coal reserves lying under forests, creating a direct conflict between mining and conservation objectives.

Environmental experts stress that safeguarding these natural ecosystems is paramount and requires halting fossil fuel extraction. Continued digging and burning of these fuels drives emissions, exacerbating climate change impacts such as deadly heat waves and severe droughts. Organizations like the Leave it in the Ground Initiative are developing financial incentives, including debt-for-climate swaps and philanthropic buyouts, to encourage countries to prioritize forest protection over resource extraction.