International Day of Forests is celebrated on March 21 every year, the world over. This celebration brings into focus the role of forests in safeguarding the ecological security and livelihood of millions of people all around the world. Forests provide clean air, water and energy. Sustainably managed forests can provide renewable and carbon neutral energy for a greener future.
This theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Forests and Energy’ has been chosen by the United Nations to highlight the importance of wood energy in improving people’s lives, powering sustainable development and mitigating climate change.
Wood is a major renewable energy source. Wood provides the world with more energy than solar, hydroelectric or wind power. Almost 300 million people in India depend on the forests for their livelihood.
It has been proved that trees in urban areas can cool the air by between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. The Wood energy also mitigates climate change and fosters sustainable development. Globally, forests hold energy content approximately 10 times that of the world’s annual primary energy consumption.
This year’s campaign theme highlights the vital energy inherent in India’s forests, including the various cultural, ecological & livelihood benefits.