This is a concise summary from the World Resources Institute of relevant articles in the Kyoto Protocol on climate change that highlight the relationship between biodiversity and climate change. The Kyoto Protocol formally recognises the dual nature of forests - they are both part of the problem and part of the solution to climate change.

The article says that forest conversion has contributed an estimated 30 per cent of the atmospheric buildup of carbon dioxide, the most prevalent greenhouse gas, and future projections show large emissions from deforestation. However, protecting, restoring, and improving the management of forests can help slow climate change.

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