rainforests that form a precious cooling

band around the Earth's equator, is now

being recognised as one of the main causes

of climate change. Carbon emissions from

deforestation far outstrip damage caused

by planes and automobiles and factories.

The rampant slashing and burning of

tropical forests is second only to the energy

sector as a source of greenhouses gases

according to report published today by the

Oxford-based Global Canopy Programme,

an alliance of leading rainforest scientists.

Figures from the GCP, summarising the

latest findings from the United Nations, and

building on estimates contained in the Stern

Report, show deforestation accounts for up

to 25 per cent of global emissions of heat-

trapping gases, while transport and industry

account for 14 per cent each; and aviation

makes up only 3 per cent of the total.

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