WWF Statement on Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act

Today, Sens. Braun, Coons, Young, and King introduced the Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act, an important effort to advance bipartisan climate and sustainable land-use policy. This legislation will advance United States’ leadership to reduce atmospheric carbon and conserve biodiversity. In response, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued the following statement from Kerry Cesareo, senior vice president, forests:

“On the heels of a record-breaking fire season at home and abroad—and due to unrelenting deforestation around the world—the plight of our forests has never been more dire. Conserving and restoring natural habitats such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands are critical to addressing the intertwined crises of climate change and nature loss and to ensuring forest-dependent communities and Indigenous peoples thrive.

“The Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act provides a path for us to come together in a bipartisan manner to tackle these challenges. As the enormity of the climate crisis grows each day, it is imperative that we take a holistic view in our response and that the United States displays leadership on cutting carbon emissions at every level. Safeguarding our valuable lands and forests is an important part of the solution.

“As a new administration and Congress gear up to tackle a variety of environmental issues, acting on climate and protecting forests and nature are obvious priorities and opportunities.”