Top 5 Countries with the Most Forests – And How They’re Saving the Planet!

Top 5 Countries with the Most Forests – And How They’re Saving the Planet!

Every year, over 15 billion trees are lost due to agricultural expansion, timber harvesting, and urbanization. This rapid deforestation has significant impacts on the environment, contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss, and disruption of ecosystems. Forests play a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide, providing habitats for countless species, and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. Without sustainable practices, the continued destruction of forests poses a serious threat to the planet’s ecological balance and the well-being of future generations. 

Some countries are lucky to have vast forest lands, and many of them are taking steps to protect and care for these precious natural resources. Let’s take a look at which countries own the most forests and how they are giving the world important lessons in protecting the environment.

1. Russia – The Forest Giant

Russia has the largest forest area in the world, with about 815 million hectares of forest, covering around 49% of its land. These forests, often called the “lungs of Europe,” store massive amounts of carbon and are home to a rich variety of plants and animals. Russia has been working on forest protection through sustainable logging practices and forest restoration programs, although illegal logging remains a challenge. Still, Russia plays a key role in global environmental efforts simply because of the size and importance of its forests.

2. Brazil – Home to the Amazon Rainforest

Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest is one of the most famous and vital forests in the world. It covers nearly 500 million hectares, accounting for around 60% of Brazil’s total land area. This forest is often called the “lungs of the Earth” because it produces 20% of the world’s oxygen. Brazil has made efforts to reduce deforestation, although it’s an ongoing struggle due to logging, farming, and mining activities. However, environmental organizations and the government are trying to balance development with the preservation of this crucial ecosystem.

3. Canada – A Forest-Rich Nation

Canada, with about 347 million hectares of forest, is another country with massive forest cover, accounting for 38% of its total land. Canada takes great pride in managing its forests sustainably. The country has strong regulations that ensure logging companies replant trees, and it invests in protecting wildlife and indigenous communities that rely on forests. Canada is also a leader in promoting international cooperation on forestry and climate action.

4. United States – A Leader in Conservation

The United States has around 310 million hectares of forests, covering about 33% of its land. The country has a long history of conservation, with national parks and forest reserves set up to protect these lands. Programs like the U.S. Forest Service work to manage forest health, prevent wildfires, and replant trees. The U.S. is also focusing on reforestation projects to restore forests lost to logging and urbanization.

5. China – Growing Forests for the Future

China has about 220 million hectares of forests, which covers 23% of its land. The remarkable thing about China is its commitment to growing forests. Once faced with serious deforestation, China has planted billions of trees over the last few decades. Through the “Great Green Wall” project, China is working to plant trees across northern China to stop the spread of deserts. It’s an inspiring example of how a country can reverse deforestation and build a greener future.

Countries Expanding Forests and Promoting Green Culture

While some countries already have vast forests, others are focused on growing new forests and promoting a green lifestyle. Countries like India, Ethiopia, and New Zealand are making great progress. India, for instance, has increased its forest cover by millions of hectares through afforestation programs. The country celebrates events like Van Mahotsav, a tree-planting festival, to encourage people to care for the environment.

Ethiopia set a world record by planting over 350 million trees in a single day in 2019, part of its effort to restore lost forests and protect its environment. New Zealand, meanwhile, is known for its “clean, green” image and has set ambitious goals to plant one billion trees by 2028.

Major Challenges

By 2050, the world will face major challenges related to population growth, climate change, biodiversity loss, globalization, and a rapidly expanding global economy. These changes will place immense pressure on forests and the communities that rely on them. Forests play a vital role in addressing these challenges, contributing to climate regulation, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods.

The year 2050 is a significant marker, as it aligns with global efforts to achieve the vision of Living in Harmony with Nature, a goal set by the Convention on Biological Diversity, as well as meeting net-zero emissions targets. Forests are critical to these efforts, and their sustainable management is key to achieving long-term environmental goals.

The IUFRO World Congress 2024 in Stockholm will be an important platform to discuss how forests can support the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The congress aims to streamline forest research agendas, foster cross-sector cooperation, and promote the diverse roles forests play in providing services like carbon storage, biodiversity conservation, and community livelihoods. By enhancing dialogue and collaboration, this event will help shape policies that can guide sustainable forest management in a changing world.

Final Verdict 

The countries that own and protect the largest forest lands have a huge responsibility in leading the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. Countries like Russia, Brazil, Canada, and the U.S. are doing important work, though challenges remain. Meanwhile, nations like China and India are showing the world how to grow forests and create a green culture. By learning from these countries, we can all play a part in protecting the planet and ensuring a healthier, greener future for generations to come.