essay on role of forests in our life

We use cookies to analyse how visitors use our website and to help us provide the best possible experience for users. View our Cookie Policy . ( I accept )

The WWF is run at a local level by the following offices...

• AsiaPacific
• Central African Republic
• Central America
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• European Policy Office
• Greater Mekong
• Hong Kong SAR
• Mediterranean
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Regional Office Africa
• South Africa
• South Pacific
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• More on our work
• Tropical rainforests

Forests cover around one-third of all land on Earth and breathe life into our world, but it’s not just the planet that suffers when they are destroyed.

Forests are important for people's lives, homes and livelihoods and have a crucial role to play in tackling the biodiversity and climate crises.  

Why forests are important for people

Have you had breakfast today? Sat on a chair? Written in a notebook? Blown your nose into a tissue? Forest products are a vital part of our daily lives in more ways than we can imagine, from obvious paper and wood products, to the by-products used in medicines, cosmetics and detergents.

Over 1.6 billion people depend on forests for food or fuel, and some 70 million people worldwide - including many Indigenous communities - call forests home. Forests provide us with oxygen, shelter, jobs, water, nourishment and fuel. With so many people dependent on forests, the fate of our forests may determine our own fate as well.

Forests help prevent erosion and enrich and conserve soil , helping to protect communities from landslides and floods and producing the rich topsoil needed to grow plants and crops. Forests also play an important role in the global water cycle, moving water across the earth by releasing water vapor and capturing rainfall. They also filter out pollution and chemicals, improving the quality of water available for human use. The destruction of forests has a knock-on effect on agriculture and can affect the production of the food we eat.

Human health is inextricably linked to forest health. Deforestation has serious consequences on the health of people directly dependent on forests, as well as those living in cities and towns, as it increases the risk of diseases crossing over from animals to humans. Meanwhile, time spent in forests has been shown to have a positive benefit on conditions including cardiovascular disease, respiratory concerns, diabetes and mental health. 

Why forests matter for nature

As forests are home to over 80% of terrestrial biodiversity , including 80% of amphibians, 75% of birds and 68% of mammals. Deforestation of some tropical forests could lead to the loss of as many as 100 species a day. Our ability to stop biodiversity loss is heavily dependent on our ability to stop forest loss. 

When we take away the forest, it is not just the trees that go. The entire ecosystem begins to fall apart, with dire consequences for all of us. Forests provide habitats for plants and animals, including some of our planet’s most iconic species like the tiger, giant panda, gorilla and orangutan. 

Habitat loss is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss , as land that once was forest is cleared for other uses. Forest-dwelling wildlife populations (which include mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians) have declined on average by 69% since 1970, with tropical forests such as the Amazon the worst hit. 

Why forests are so important for the climate

Forests are the largest storehouses of carbon after the oceans , as they absorb this greenhouse gas from the air and lock it away above and below ground. So, it is no surprise that when we cut down or damage our forests, we release huge amounts of carbon emissions that contribute to the climate crisis.

But forests are also important as they can help protect people and nature from the consequences of a warming world. As the impacts of climate change - including floods and storms from rising sea levels and increased precipitation - become more frequent and severe, forests can provide a crucial buffer for our communities. 

Extreme events caused by climate change, such as more frequent wildfires, limit the ability of our forests to regenerate. At the same time, deforestation contributes to climate change by increasing the risk of fires. Stopping deforestation and restoring forests is a crucial part of climate action. 

Posted on 17 Jul 2024

Central banks, regulators and supervisors urged to intervene in main drivers of nature loss and climate change alongside governments

A new Guide, published today by WWF´s Greening Financial Regulation Initiative, sheds light on how the financial sector ...

Posted on 10 Apr 2024

FSC-certified tropical forests help wildlife thrive

Large, threatened mammals such as great apes and forest elephants and other wildlife are better conserved in FSC-certified ...

Posted on 18 Mar 2024

Five positive signs for forests in 2024

These top trends are driving increased understanding of the value of forests, more strategic thinking, greater coordination, more ...

Posted on 13 Feb 2024

Reforestation initiative that helped triple Nepal's tiger population recognized as one of seven UN World Restoration Flagships

The Terai Arc Landscape initiative has already brought back to life a forest area 13 times the size of Kathmandu.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Essay On Importance Of Forest

Table of Contents

Short Essay On Importance Of Forest

Forests play a critical role in sustaining life on Earth, and their importance cannot be overstated. They provide numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits that are essential for human well-being.

Forests are the lungs of the planet, producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. They play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate and preventing soil erosion, which can cause widespread environmental degradation. Forests also serve as habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, providing a rich biodiversity that is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

In addition to their environmental benefits, forests are also important economically. They provide valuable resources, such as timber, fuel, and non-timber forest products, which support local livelihoods and provide a source of income for communities around the world. Forests also provide important ecosystem services, such as water regulation, which is essential for agriculture, industry, and human consumption.

Forests also have a significant impact on the social and cultural well-being of communities. They provide recreation and tourism opportunities, and are used for spiritual and religious practices in many cultures. Forests also provide a source of food, medicine, and materials for indigenous peoples, and play a critical role in maintaining their cultural identity and traditional livelihoods.

Despite their importance, forests are under threat from various forms of degradation, including deforestation, degradation, and fragmentation. The loss of forests is a major contributor to climate change, and it also results in the loss of habitat for plant and animal species, which can lead to biodiversity loss.

In conclusion, forests play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. It is essential that we take action to protect and preserve our forests, and to ensure that they continue to provide the environmental, economic, and social benefits that are essential for human survival and well-being.

Long Essay On Importance Of Forest

Forests are an important part of our planet’s natural environment, providing us with a range of goods and services that we rely on for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In this article, we will explore the importance of forests, from their role in combating climate change to their impact on biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide. Get ready to gain a deeper understanding of just why forests are so essential!

Introduction

Forests are one of the most important natural resources on earth. They are home to many plants and animals, and provide us with many benefits.

Forests help to regulate the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. They also play a vital role in providing clean water, as they help to filter and purify water sources. In addition, forests provide us with timber and other valuable wood products, and can be used for recreation and tourism.

Sadly, forests are disappearing at an alarming rate due to deforestation. Deforestation is caused by many factors, including the growing demand for land and timber, as well as the expansion of agriculture and infrastructure development. As a result, it is important that we all take action to protect our forests and promote sustainable forestry practices.

What are Forests?

Forests are ecosystems that have many different plants and animals living in them. They are important for the environment because they help to regulate the Earth’s climate, provide homes for wildlife, and purify the air and water.

Forests are found all over the world, in every continent except Antarctica. They can be found in tropical, temperate, and cold climates. Tropical forests are usually dense and humid, while temperate forests are more moderate in terms of temperature and rainfall. Cold forests are found in areas with very high elevation, such as the mountains of North America or Europe.

The plants and animals that live in forests depend on each other for survival. For example, trees provide homes and food for many animals, while animals help to spread tree seeds through their droppings. This symbiotic relationship is essential to maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem.

Forests play an important role in regulating the Earth’s climate. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen back into it. This process helps to offset greenhouse gas emissions and helps to keep the planet cooler overall. In addition, trees help to prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the ground with their roots.

Wildlife also depends on forests for their habitat. Forests provide shelter and food for many species of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Many endangered species rely on forests for their survival. For example, the mountain gorilla is only found in forest habitats in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Forests also provide many important resources for humans, such as timber, fruits, and medicines. Forests are also a source of recreation and inspiration for many people.

Why are Forests Important?

Forests are important for many reasons. They are home to much of the world’s biodiversity, including many endangered species. They play a crucial role in the water cycle, and help to regulate the climate. They also provide us with many essential products and services, such as timber, paper and fuel wood.

Forests are complex ecosystems that provide a range of benefits to both people and the environment. They are home to an estimated 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, including more than 30 million different species of plants and animals. This is particularly important given the current global extinction crisis, with species disappearing at an unprecedented rate due to human activity.

Forests also play a vital role in the water cycle, helping to regulate local climates and weather patterns. Trees release water vapor into the atmosphere which helps to form clouds and precipitation. This process helps to moderate temperature extremes, making conditions more livable for both people and wildlife.

In addition to these vital ecological functions, forests also provide us with many essential products and services. Timber from trees is used in construction, furniture-making and a host of other industries. Paper made from tree pulp is another important product, used for everything from packaging to newspapers. Fuel wood from trees is still an important source of energy in many parts of the world.

It is clear that forests play a vital role in sustaining life on Earth – both for humans and for wildlife. We must do everything we can to protect

Benefits of Forests

Forests are essential for the survival of our planet. They play a vital role in the water cycle, provide us with oxygen, and help to regulate the climate. They are also home to an incredible array of plant and animal life.

Forests play a critical role in the water cycle by trapping rainfall and releasing it slowly, which helps to prevent flooding and drought. Trees also help to recharge aquifers and maintain groundwater levels.

Forests purify the air we breathe by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. They also help to regulate the global climate by trapping greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.

Forests are home to an amazing diversity of plant and animal life. They provide habitat for many threatened and endangered species, as well as countless other plants and animals that play an important role in the web of life.

Conservation and Protection of Forests

Forests are one of the most important natural resources on the planet. They provide us with timber and wood for fuel, paper, and many other products. They also provide homes for animals and plants, help to regulate the global climate, and play a vital role in the water cycle.

However, forests are under threat from human activities such as deforestation, forest fires, overgrazing, and pollution. This is why it is so important that we all do our part to conserve and protect forests.

There are many things we can do to conserve and protect forests. We can plant trees to replace those that have been lost. We can reduce our use of products made from wood, such as paper. We can also support organizations that are working to protect forests.

By taking these actions, we can help to ensure that forests will continue to play a vital role in our world for generations to come.

In conclusion, forests are an essential part of our planet and should be taken seriously. The importance of these natural resources is immense, from providing food and shelter for wildlife to the air that we breathe. Human beings have a responsibility to protect and preserve these special places for future generations so that they can enjoy their beauty and appreciate all the benefits that forests provide us with. Forests are a precious gift from nature to us – let’s make sure we take care of them!

Manisha Dubey Jha is a skilled educational content writer with 5 years of experience. Specializing in essays and paragraphs, she’s dedicated to crafting engaging and informative content that enriches learning experiences.

Related Posts

Essay on importance of yoga, essay on cow, climate change essay, essay on slaver, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Essay on Importance Of Forest In 100 to 200 Words

Forests are critical to the provision of many essential goods and services for human life, as well as to the health of nature. In this essay, I will explore how forests provide a service for human beings and what the impact would be if they were to be lost.

Table of Contents

Importance Of Forest Essay writing Example

Introduction

Forest are also important in preventing soil erosion. Erosion is when soil is lost from the earth’s surface, a process that can lead to a loss of valuable land and water resources. Forest can help slow erosion by capturing and storing rainwater, removing excess surface runoff, providing shade, and moderating temperature extremes.

Forest can provide jobs for people who live in or near the forest, as well as products that we use every day such as paper, lumber, and furniture. In addition, forest play an important role in regulating climate through their ability to store carbon dioxide.

For all these reasons, forest should be considered an important part of our ecology.”

Importance of forest for our lives

Forest is an important part of our lives. Forest not only provides us with clean air and water, but it also plays a vital role in regulating climate. The trees and other plants in forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to reduce global warming.

Forests also play a significant role in supplying food and medicine. Plantains, for example, are grown in the Amazon rainforest because the trees provide a platform for breeding mosquitoes that can’t fly above the canopy. These mosquitoes then feed on humans, transmitting diseases like malaria and dengue. Medicinal plants also grow in forests, such as those used to treat cancer and heart disease.

The world’s forests provide many people with their daily needs such as food, water, air purification and climate regulation. These benefits are essential not only for us as individuals but for the entire planet as well. We need forests to stay healthy and sustainable so that we can all continue to live sustainably together on this planet.

Forest is an important resource for both humans and animals. From providing us with wood to build homes and furniture, to providing food and shelter to animals, forests play a vital role in our everyday lives. In fact, it’s estimated that over one third of the world’s population relies on forests for their livelihood.

Forests are not only essential for human survival; they also provide vital ecosystems that support plant life as well as many different animal species. Not only do forests provide natural resources like timber, but they also play a significant role in climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air. By preserving forest lands, we can help keep our planet healthy while safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of people around the world.

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Essay on Importance of Forest 500+ Words

Forests, often called the lungs of our planet, are not just collections of trees; they are vital ecosystems that sustain life on Earth. In this essay, we will explore the profound importance of forests, shedding light on their ecological, economic, and cultural significance.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Forests are incredibly diverse ecosystems that host an astonishing variety of plant and animal species. These rich biodiversity hotspots contribute to the overall health of our planet. For instance, the Amazon Rainforest is home to millions of species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Oxygen Production

Forests play a critical role in producing oxygen, a gas essential for our survival. Trees, through a process called photosynthesis, convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. The Amazon Rainforest alone produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen, earning it the nickname “the world’s lungs.”

Climate Regulation

Forests help regulate the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. The carbon stored in trees and soil reduces the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, mitigating climate change. This natural process is vital in our fight against rising temperatures.

Clean Water Source

Forests act as natural water filters. They help maintain the quality of our freshwater sources by trapping sediments and pollutants, ensuring that clean water flows into rivers and streams. Forests also help prevent soil erosion, which can lead to landslides and the degradation of agricultural lands.

Economic Benefits

Forests provide numerous economic benefits. They are a source of timber, paper, and other wood-based products. The forest industry generates employment and income for many communities around the world. Sustainable forestry practices ensure a continuous supply of these resources.

Medicine and Biodiversity

Many plants and organisms in forests have medicinal properties. Indigenous communities have long relied on the knowledge of forest resources for traditional medicine. Moreover, forests are a treasure trove of potential cures for various diseases, with countless undiscovered species and compounds.

Cultural Significance

Forests hold cultural significance for many societies. They are often places of worship, storytelling, and traditional practices. Forests are integral to the cultural identity of indigenous communities, providing a spiritual connection to the land and nature.

Recreation and Tourism

Forests offer recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching. They are also popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors who seek the tranquility and beauty of these natural havens. Forest-based tourism contributes to local economies and conservation efforts.

Conclusion of Essay on Importance of Forest

In conclusion, forests are not just patches of greenery; they are the lifeblood of our planet. Their ecological, economic, and cultural importance cannot be overstated. As stewards of the Earth, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve these invaluable ecosystems.

The ongoing deforestation and degradation of forests threaten the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems. To address these challenges, we must support sustainable forestry practices, conservation efforts, and reforestation initiatives. By recognizing and respecting the importance of forests, we ensure a brighter and greener future for ourselves and generations to come.

Forests are more than trees; they are the guardians of our planet’s health and diversity. They offer us a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world and remind us of our interconnectedness with all life on Earth. Let us cherish and protect these green treasures, for they are not just essential to our survival; they are a source of inspiration and wonder for humanity.

Also Check: List of 500+ Topics for Writing Essay

Forests – a lifeline for people and planet

We all rely on forests. They generate the oxygen we breathe, provide water to quench our thirst and livelihoods to some 1.6 billion people worldwide. They play a critical role for a healthy climate, and ultimately, for our survival. Yet, they continue to be under threat. Ahead of this year’s International Day of Forests, we spoke with Mita Sen in the UN Forum on Forests in UN DESA, about the state of our world’s forests and what must be done to protect them.

Why are forests so important for our life here on Earth?

“It is difficult to picture life on Earth without forests and trees. Forests sustain our lives in so many ways, from the air we breathe and the water we drink to the food we eat and the wood and paper products that we use every day.

Over 1.6 billion people depend on forests for timber, food, fuel, jobs, and shelter, but all of us depend on forests in one way or the other. Forests provide critical ecosystem services that affect our climate, rainfall patterns, and watersheds, at the same time they are also home to 80 percent of all land-based biodiversity. According to some estimates, the economic value of ecosystem services provided by the world’s forests could be worth as much as US$16.2 trillion annually.”

What is the state of the world’s forests?

“The good news is that over the past 25 years, the annual rate of net global deforestation has slowed by more than 50 percent. This is due to governments and stakeholders working to sustainably manage forests, along with investing in restoration and afforestation of degraded forests and land.

The bad news is that despite these efforts, forests continue to be under threat. Annually, over 7 million hectares of natural forests are still lost, mostly through conversion to other land uses – such as large-scale commercial agriculture and other economic activities. Forests are being negatively impacted by land degradation, ecosystem fragmentation, invasive pests, diseases, and frequent forest fires – many of which are exacerbated by the effects of climate change.”

What action is needed to further protect them, and how can people help the world’s forests?

“In terms of action at the UN level, the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2030 provides a blueprint for action, through a set of six Global Forest Goals and 26 associated targets to be achieved by 2030, which are voluntary and universal. The vision is for a future world in which all types of forests and trees outside forests are sustainably managed. The only way we will get there is if we increase and promote sustainable management of forests, while at the same time working collectively to halt deforestation and forest degradation.

At the UN we work by bringing together governments and all stakeholders – to foster sharing knowledge and collective and coordinated action. But people everywhere can help, the first step is to make informed green choices in your daily lives – this could include purchasing products sourced from sustainably managed forests, buying local, or supporting your community’s green spaces. Any action you can take that reduces your carbon footprint, ultimately helps forests.”

This year’s celebration of the International Day of Forests focuses on forests and biodiversity. What more can you tell us about the Day?

“The International Day of Forests is observed annually on 21 March, and this year’s theme focuses on promoting awareness of the interconnections between forests and the biodiversity that they support. The 2019 landmark report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services sounded the alarm that the health of our ecosystems is declining at unprecedented rates and the rate of species extinctions is accelerating. If we wish to take action to turn the tide, sustaining forests are a critical part of the equation.”

For more information: International Day of Forests

Photo courtesy of IISD/ENB

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter – UN DESA Voice

Un desa divisions.

• Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development
• Division for Sustainable Development Goals
• Population Division
• Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government
• Financing for Sustainable Development Office
• Division for Inclusive Social Development
• Statistics Division
• Economic Analysis and Policy Division
• United Nations Forum on Forests
• Capacity Development Programme Management Office
• USG Liu Zhenmin
• USG Statements
• ASG Elliott Harris
• ASG Statements

News by Year

• 2020  (114)
• 2019  (171)
• 2018  (165)
• 2017  (177)
• 2016  (155)
• 2015  (173)
• 2014  (136)
• 2013  (133)
• 2012  (138)
• 2011  (140)
• 2010  (68)

News by Key Issue

• Intergovernmental Support
• SDG Knowledge
• Population Dynamics
• Public Institutions
• Sustainable Financing
• Social Inclusion
• Economic Analysis
• Fraud Alert
• Privacy Notice
• Terms of Use

We use various third-party cookies on our website to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. You can choose to accept all cookies or customize your preference. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Google Analytics

Youtube videos

Benefits of forests

Why forests are so important to us and to the world.

Forests play a critical role for the global environment, population and economy. Besides alleviating the effects of climate change and natural disasters, they represent some of the richest biological areas on Earth. They also provide food, renewable raw materials for many of our products, and livelihoods for millions of people.

Discover how PEFC certification helps to ensure our forests will be around for generations to come, enabling them to continue providing their vital services to us and the planet.

Climate change and natural disasters

Forests can mitigate climate change. By capturing and storing carbon, forests remove significant volumes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A tree will continue to store carbon after it has been harvested and used – furniture and wooden homes can store carbon for hundreds of years. That is why it is so important to use wood-based products .

Sustainably produced wood and paper-based goods are a wise, renewable and environmentally friendly choice compared to other materials such as plastics, which alone, use 4% of the total global oil production. Similarly, energy production from forest-based wood and biomass can replace other more greenhouse-gas intensive products, such as oil and coal.

Forests also influence nature’s capacity to cope with natural hazards, acting as barriers against heavy rains, flooding and strong winds. They help control or reduce the risk of soil erosion, landslides and avalanches. Forests therefore have an important role in protecting the homes and communities (FAO) of animals and people, and they help to maintain the environmental conditions needed for agricultural production.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is a term used to refer to the diversity of life on earth.

Forests are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet and are home to about 80 percent of the world’s land-based animals and plants (FAO) . Thanks to their presence and interaction, ecological processes such as pollination, seed dispersal and soil fertilization can take place.

Biodiversity forms the basis of many of the values and services that society derives from forests, including food, fibre, biomass, wood and shelter for people and wildlife.

Water and soil

Forests play a key role in the protection of the world's water resources and in the global water cycle. Much of the world’s drinking water comes from forested areas, and millions of people depend on high-quality freshwater flowing from forests (FAO) .  

Forests absorb water as direct rainfall from the atmosphere and through their roots from the ground. Through a process of evapo-transpiration, they then re-release water to the atmosphere. Without this process, a key part of the global water cycle would be interrupted, resulting in increased drought and desertification.

Through stabilization of soil, forests minimize erosion and reduce the impairment of water quality due to sedimentation. Woodlands protect water bodies and watercourses by trapping sediments and pollutants from other up-slope land uses and activities. 

Forests also help to maintain nutrient cycling in the soil. Soil contains a myriad of organisms, such as earthworms, ants, termites, bacteria and fungi. This soil biodiversity helps regulate pest and disease occurrence in agricultural and natural ecosystems, and can also control or reduce environmental pollution.

“Forested watersheds supply 75 percent of the world’s accessible fresh water for domestic, agricultural, industrial and ecological needs”

Indigenous people and social issues

Forests have numerous social benefits, ranging from indigenous peoples’ rights to contributions to sustainable livelihoods, rural development, and local employment.

Forests contribute to the livelihoods of some 1.6 billion people worldwide, including 60 million indigenous people who are fully dependent upon them. Fuelwood and charcoal are the main sources of energy for an estimated two billion people around the world. Two billion people also rely on traditional medicines from forests for their health. 

Forest-based activities such as hunting and fishing provide over 20% of household protein requirements in developing countries. Non-timber forest products such as fruits, vegetables and mushrooms are important components of the diet in rural areas, especially for poor households or during times of food shortage.

Forests also contribute significantly to national and regional economies. In developing countries, forest-based enterprises provide about 13–35% of all rural non-farm employment, that’s equivalent to 17 million formal sector and 30 million informal sector jobs (IUFRO) . In some developed countries, such as Canada, Sweden, Finland and parts of the United States, where the forestry sector is a major part of the rural economy, the forest sector is an important contributor to rural development (FAO) .

• The benefits of forests
• Forests in everyday life
• Threats to forests

Look for the label!

Help support our forests. Next time you go shopping, look out for the PEFC label!

Find out more!

Delivering impacts in the forest and beyond, sustainable forest management, pefc st 1003.

Standards and guides

Group Forest Management Certification, PEFC ST 1002

Technical documentation

PEFC & SDGs

Sdg 3: good health and well-being.

Sustainable Development Goal

SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation

Related projects, generating new knowledge on carbon stocks in managed tropical forests, c40-f40: forty cities, forty forests, protecting rare tree species in malaysia, enhancing rural development in spain through certified wild food products.

Non-wood forest products

The future of forest work and communities

Exploring pathways to deliver sustainable woody biomass, latest news.

17 July 2024

The forest is a constant inspiration for me

Forests in photos

16 July 2024

Public consultation: Romanian forest certification system

PEFC system news

9 July 2024

Public consultation: Austrian forest certification system

New case stories, lamipak: leading the charge in sustainable packaging with pefc certification, modvion wind turbine: sustainable wind energy thanks to wood.

Construction

EDGE Suedkreuz Berlin: an office building of the future

Keep in touch.

Subscribe to our newsletter

please wait

Your registration was successful.

There was a problem during your registration. Please try again later.

Get certified

Whether you're a forest owner or company within the forest supply chain, get PEFC certified and help protect the world's forests.

Contribute to standards

Help us to ensure our PEFC standards, internationally and nationally, meet your expectations.

Your support is an important contribution to the long-term sustainability of our forests.

20 Reasons Why Forests Are Important

In case you're missing the forest for the trees, here are a few reminders why woodlands are wonderful.

• University of Georgia

Treehugger / Christian Yonkers

• Conservation

Forests cover nearly a third of all land on Earth, providing vital organic infrastructure for some of the planet's densest, most diverse collections of life. They support countless species, including our own, yet we often seem oblivious of that. Humans now clear millions of acres from natural forests every year, especially in the tropics, letting deforestation threaten some of Earth's most valuable ecosystems.

We tend to take forests for granted, underestimating how indispensable they still are for everyone on the planet. That would quickly change if they all disappeared, but since humanity might not survive that scenario, the lesson wouldn't be very useful by then. As the Once-ler finally realizes in Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax," a crisis like deforestation depends on indifference. "UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot," Seuss wrote, "Nothing is going to get better. It's not."

Indifference, in turn, often depends on ignorance. So to help things get better for woodlands around the world, we'd all be wise to learn more about the benefits of forests — and to share that knowledge with others. In hopes of shedding more light on what forests do for us, and how little we can afford to lose them, here are 20 reasons why forests are so important.

1. They Help Us Breathe

Forests pump out oxygen we need to live and absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale (or emit). A single mature, leafy tree is estimated to produce a day's supply of oxygen for anywhere from two to 10 people. Phytoplankton in the ocean are more prolific, providing half of Earth's oxygen, but forests are still a key source of quality air.

2. They Are Home to Nearly Half of All Species

Nearly half of Earth's known species live in forests, including nearly 80% of biodiversity on land . That variety is especially rich in tropical rainforests, but forests teem with life around the planet: Insects and worms work nutrients into soil, bees and birds spread pollen and seeds, and keystone species like wolves and big cats keep hungry herbivores in check. Biodiversity is a big deal, both for ecosystems and human economies, yet it's increasingly threatened around the world by deforestation.

3. Including Millions of Humans

Some 300 million people live in forests worldwide, including an estimated 60 million indigenous people whose survival depends almost entirely on native woodlands. Many millions more live along or near forest fringes, but even just a scattering of urban trees can raise property values and reduce crime, among other benefits.

4. They Keep Us Cool

By growing a canopy to hog sunlight, trees also create vital oases of shade on the ground. Urban trees help buildings stay cool, reducing the need for electric fans or air conditioners, while large forests can tackle daunting tasks like curbing a city's "heat island" effect or regulating regional temperatures.

5. They Keep Earth Cool

Trees also have another way to beat the heat: absorb CO2 that fuels global warming. Plants always need some CO2 for photosynthesis, but Earth's air is now so thick with extra emissions that forests fight global warming just by breathing. CO2 is stored in wood, leaves and soil, often for centuries.

6. They Make It Rain

Large forests can influence regional weather patterns and even create their own microclimates. The Amazon rainforest, for example, generates atmospheric conditions that not only promote regular rainfall there and in nearby farmland, but potentially as far away as the Great Plains of North America.

7. They Prevent Flooding

Tree roots are key allies in heavy rain, especially for low-lying areas like river plains. They help the ground absorb more of a flash flood, reducing soil loss and property damage by slowing the flow.

8. They Soak Up Runoff, Protecting Other Ecosystems

On top of flood control, soaking up surface runoff also protects ecosystems downstream. Modern stormwater increasingly carries toxic chemicals, from gasoline and lawn fertilizer to pesticides and pig manure, that accumulate through watersheds and eventually create low-oxygen " dead zones ."

9. They Refill Aquifers

Forests are like giant sponges, catching runoff rather than letting it roll across the surface, but they can't absorb all of it. Water that gets past their roots trickles down into aquifers, replenishing groundwater supplies that are important for drinking, sanitation and irrigation around the world.

10. They Block Wind

Farming near a forest has lots of benefits, like bats and songbirds that eat insects or owls and foxes that eat rats. But groups of trees can also serve as a windbreak, providing a buffer for wind-sensitive crops. And beyond protecting those plants, less wind also makes it easier for bees to pollinate them.

11. They Keep Dirt in Its Place

A forest's root network stabilizes huge amounts of soil, bracing the entire ecosystem's foundation against erosion by wind or water. Not only does deforestation disrupt all that, but the ensuing soil erosion can trigger new, life-threatening problems like landslides and dust storms.

12. They Clean Up Dirty Soil

In addition to holding soil in place, forests may also use phytoremediation to clean out certain pollutants. Trees can either sequester the toxins away or degrade them to be less dangerous. This is a helpful skill, letting trees absorb sewage overflows, roadside spills or contaminated runoff.

13. They Clean Up Dirty Air

Forests can clean up air pollution on a large scale, and not just CO2. Trees absorb a wide range of airborne pollutants, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. In the U.S. alone, urban trees are estimated to save 850 lives per year and $6.8 billion in total health care costs just by removing pollutants from the air.

14. They Muffle Noise Pollution

Sound fades in forests, making trees a popular natural noise barrier. The muffling effect is largely due to rustling leaves — plus other woodland white noise, like bird songs — and just a few well-placed trees can cut background sound by 5 to 10 decibels, or about 50% as heard by human ears.

15. They Feed Us

Not only do trees produce fruits, nuts, seeds and sap, but they also enable a cornucopia near the forest floor, from edible mushrooms, berries and beetles to larger game like deer, turkeys, rabbits and fish.

16. They Help Us Make Things

Where would humans be without timber and resin? We've long used these renewable resources to make everything from paper and furniture to homes and clothing, but we also have a history of getting carried away, leading to overuse and deforestation. Thanks to the growth of tree farming and sustainable forestry, though, it's becoming easier to find responsibly sourced tree products.

17. They Create Jobs

More than 1.6 billion people rely on forests to some extent for their livelihoods, according to the U.N., and 10 million are directly employed in forest management or conservation. Forests contribute about 1% of the global gross domestic product through timber production and non-timber products, the latter of which alone support up to 80% of the population in many developing countries.

18. They Create Majesty

Natural beauty may be the most obvious and yet least tangible benefit a forest offers. The abstract blend of shade, greenery, activity and tranquility can yield concrete advantages for people, however, like convincing us to appreciate and preserve old-growth forests for future generations.

19. They Help Us Explore and Relax

Our innate attraction to forests, part of a phenomenon known as biophilia , is still in the relatively early stages of scientific explanation. We know biophilia draws us to woods and other natural scenery, though, encouraging us to rejuvenate ourselves by exploring, wandering or just unwinding in the wilderness. They give us a sense of mystery and wonder, evoking the kinds of wild frontiers that molded our distant ancestors. And thanks to our growing awareness that spending time in forests is good for our health, many people now seek out those benefits with the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku , commonly translated to English as " forest bathing ."

20. They Are Pillars of Their Communities

Like the famous rug in "The Big Lebowski," forests really tie everything together — and we often don't appreciate them until they're gone. Beyond all their specific ecological perks (which can't even fit in a list this long), they've reigned for eons as Earth's most successful setting for life on land. Our species probably couldn't live without them, but it's up to us to make sure we never have to try. The more we enjoy and understand forests, the less likely we are to miss them for the trees.

Nowak, David J. et al. " Tree And Forest Effects On Air Quality And Human Health In The United States ". Environmental Pollution , vol 193, 2014, pp. 119-129. Elsevier BV , doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2014.05.028

• 15 Astounding Facts About Trees
• How Biophilia Can Improve Your Life
• 20 Reasons to Really Love Trees
• Soil Conservation: Methods and Benefits
• Reasons Living Trees Are Valuable
• How Does Mercury Get in Fish?
• How Plants and Microorganisms Can Clean up the Mess We Make
• What Is Climate Sensitivity? Definition and Examples
• 7 Striking Examples of Deforestation From NASA
• 30 Wild Facts About the Boreal Forest
• A Timeline of the Distant Future for Life on Earth
• 11 Alarming Facts About Sea-Level Rise
• Trees Are a Cool Solution in the Heat of the Moment
• Consider Watering Your Street Trees
• What Is Blue Carbon? Definition and Importance
• 5 Reasons Why Biodiversity Is a Big Deal

Forest Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on forest.

Forests are an intricate ecosystem on earth which contains trees , shrubs, grasses and more. The constituents of forests which are trees and plants form a major part of the forests. Furthermore, they create a healthy environment so that various species of animals can breed and live there happily. Therefore, we see how forests are a habitat for a plethora of wild animals and birds. In addition to being of use to wildlife, forests benefit mankind greatly and hold immense significance.

Importance of Forests

Forests cover a significant area of the earth. They are a great natural asset to any region and hold immense value. For instance, forests fulfill all our needs of timber, fuel, fodder, bamboos and more. They also give us a variety of products that hold great commercial as well as industrial value.

In addition, forests give us a large number of raw materials for various products like paper, rayon, gums, medicinal drugs and more. Other than that, forests are also a major source of employment for a significant population . For example, people are involved in their protection, harvesting , regeneration, raw material processing and more.

Moreover, forests are largely responsible for preserving the physical features of our planet. They monitor soil erosion and prevent it from happening. Further, they alleviate floods by making the streams flow continually. This, in turn, helps our agriculture to a great extent.

Most importantly, forests are a habitat for wildlife. They provide them with shelter and food. Thus, it is quite important to protect forests and furthermore enhance the forest cover for a greener and sustainable future.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Improving Forest Cover

When we talk about forest cover, we do not merely refer to planting new trees but also improving the degraded forest land. To meet the fulfilments of the demand for timber and non-timber forests, we need to have a comprehensive approach to enhance the forest cover.

Forests are being wiped out and trees are being cut down at a rapid rate. To meet the other needs of humans, we are losing sight of the bigger picture. People need to take steps to improve the forest cover rather than decrease it. The government must regulate the cutting down of trees. We must adopt roper methods which ensure the regrowth of trees. This way, we will be able to fulfill both the needs.

Furthermore, we must control forest fires. We must adopt the latest techniques which will help in fire fighting more efficiently. This will prevent further loss of trees and animals. Most importantly, afforestation plus reforestation must be practiced. The people and government must plant new trees in place of the one cut down. Moreover, they must plant trees in new areas to develop a forest.

In short, forests are a great blessing of nature. Various types of forests are home to a thousand animals and also means of livelihood for numerous people. We must recognize the importance of forests and take proper measures to tackle the issue of deforestation.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

• News & Events
• Eastern and Southern Africa
• Eastern Europe and Central Asia
• Mediterranean
• Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
• North America
• South America
• West and Central Africa
• IUCN Academy
• IUCN Contributions for Nature
• IUCN Library
• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species TM
• IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas
• IUCN World Heritage Outlook
• IUCN Leaders Forum
• Protected Planet
• Union Portal (login required)
• IUCN Engage (login required)
• Commission portal (login required)

Data, analysis, convening and action.

• Open Project Portal
• SCIENCE-LED APPROACH
• INFORMING POLICY
• SUPPORTING CONSERVATION ACTION
• GEF AND GCF IMPLEMENTATION
• IUCN CONVENING
• IUCN ACADEMY

The world’s largest and most diverse environmental network.

CORE COMPONENTS

• Expert Commissions
• Secretariat and Director General
• IUCN Council

• IUCN WORLD CONSERVATION CONGRESS
• REGIONAL CONSERVATION FORA
• CONTRIBUTIONS FOR NATURE
• IUCN ENGAGE (LOGIN REQUIRED)

IUCN tools, publications and other resources.

Get involved

Forests and climate change

• Forests help stabilise the climate. They regulate ecosystems, protect biodiversity, play an integral part in the carbon cycle, support livelihoods, and can help drive sustainable growth.
• To maximise the climate benefits of forests, we must keep more forest landscapes intact, manage them more sustainably , and restore more of those landscapes which we have lost.
• Halting the loss and degradation of natural systems and promoting their restoration have the potential to contribute over one-third of the total climate change mitigation scientists say is required by 2030. 
• Restoring 350 million hectares of degraded land in line with the Bonn Challenge could sequester up to 1.7 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually .  

February 2021

What is the issue? 

Forests are a stabilising force for the climate. They regulate ecosystems, protect biodiversity, play an integral part in the carbon cycle, support livelihoods, and supply goods and services that can drive sustainable growth. Forests’ role in climate change is two-fold. They act as both a cause and a solution for greenhouse gas emissions. Around 25% of global emissions come from the land sector, the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions after the energy sector. About half of these (5-10 GtCO2e annually) comes from deforestation and forest degradation. Forests are also one of the most important solutions to addressing the effects of climate change. Approximately 2.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, one-third of the CO2 released from burning fossil fuels, is absorbed by forests every year. Estimates show that nearly two billion hectares of degraded land across the world – an area the size of South America – offer opportunities for restoration. Increasing and maintaining forests is therefore an essential solution to climate change.

Why is it important?

Halting the loss and degradation of forest ecosystems and promoting their restoration have the potential to contribute over one-third of the total climate change mitigation that scientists say is required by 2030 to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

Other benefits in support of both people and nature are considerable:

• Globally, 1.6 billion people (nearly 25% of the world’s population) rely on forests for their livelihoods, many of whom are the world’s poorest.
• Forests provide US$ 75–100 billion per year in goods and services such as clean water and healthy soils
• Forests are home to 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity . 

Mount Elgon, Uganda

What can be done?

IUCN’s forest work tackles the role of trees and forests in building resilience to climate change in several ways:

• Combatting deforestation and forest degradation in areas of high biodiversity and cultural significance, such as primary forests and World Heritage sites. This helps conserve the benefits that people and societies get from forests, including forest carbon stocks and livelihoods.
• Restoring forest landscapes helps enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation. As the co-founder and Secretariat of the Bonn Challenge – a global effort to bring 350 million hectares of deforested and degraded land under restoration by 2030 – IUCN supports national and sub-national decision makers in reaching this important goal. Reaching the 350 million hectare target could sequester up to 1.7 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.
• Enabling rights-based land use ensures community involvement in land-use outcomes. IUCN produces results on the ground through partners and projects worldwide to help strengthen community control over forests, alleviate poverty, empower women and men, enhance biodiversity, and sustainably manage forests.
• Unlocking forest benefits is critical to a sustainable and equitable supply of forest goods and services. IUCN builds capacity for implementing restoration, engaging the private sector and striving to make sure benefits – such as those from Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) – are equitably shared with local landowners and forest communities.

Today, more and more consumers are demanding forest products from sustainable sources, and an increasing number of major palm oil, timber, paper and other forest product corporations are beginning the conversion to deforestation-free supply chains.

In addition to creating and maintaining protected areas and launching initiatives towards more sustainable management, many countries, subnational governments and private landowners are restoring degraded and deforested land. This helps to take pressure off healthy, intact forests and reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

As the world debates how to operationalise the Paris Agreement, it is imperative that national leaders accelerate these actions. This can be done by subscribing to and implementing the New York Declaration on Forests, sustain forest climate financing, and include forest and land use in countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Nature – and in particular, trees and forests – can and must be part of the solution to keeping the climate within the globally accepted two-degree temperature increase limit.

IUCN’s support for climate change action at UNFCCC COP and beyond:

IUCN supports and assists climate change mitigation and adaptation through its global network of thousands of members and partners in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania. As a Union of State and Non-State members, IUCN is able to support climate change action from setting goals and generating new knowledge, through to implementation on the ground. 

More information:

IUCN’s Forest Programme iucn.org/forest

Rizvi, A.R., Baig, S., Barrow, E., Kumar, C. (2015). Synergies between Climate Mitigation and Adaptation in Forest Landscape Restoration . Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.

Osipova, E., Emslie-Smith, M., Osti, M., Murai, M., Åberg, U., Shadie, P. (2020). IUCN World Heritage Outlook 3 . Gland, Switzerland: IUCN

Related content

There is a close relationship between our health and that of animals, plants, and the environment.…

Brief for the UNFCCC SB60 Expert Dialogue on Mountains and Climate Change. This brief aims to…

Briefing and input to the UNFCCC SB60 & the Expert Dialogue on children and climate change.…

Sign up for an IUCN newsletter

Last updated 10th July 2024: Online ordering is currently unavailable due to technical issues. We apologise for any delays responding to customers while we resolve this. For further updates please visit our website https://www.cambridge.org/news-and-insights/technical-incident

We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings .

Login Alert

• > Sustainable Development Goals: Their Impacts on Forests and People
• > SDG 15: Life on Land – The Central Role of Forests in Sustainable Development

Book contents

• Sustainable Development Goals:Their Impacts on Forests and People
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Copyright page
• Contributors
• Acknowledgements
• Executive Summary
• Abbreviations
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 SDG 1: No Poverty – Impacts of Social Protection, Tenure Security and Building Resilience on Forests
• Chapter 2 SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Challenging the Hegemony of Monoculture Agriculture for Forests and People
• Chapter 3 SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Framing Targets to Maximise Co-Benefits for Forests and People
• Chapter 4 SDG 4: Quality Education and Forests – ‘The Golden Thread’
• Chapter 5 SDG 5: Gender Equality – A Precondition for Sustainable Forestry
• Chapter 6 SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Forest-Related Targets and Their Impacts on Forests and People
• Chapter 7 SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – How Access to Affordable and Clean Energy Affects Forests and Forest-Based Livelihoods
• Chapter 8 SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Potential Impacts on Forests and Forest-Dependent Livelihoods
• Chapter 9 SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Anticipating the Potential Impacts on Forests and Forest-Based Livelihoods
• Chapter 10 SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – An Environmental Justice Perspective on Implications for Forests and People
• Chapter 11 SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Impacts on Forests and Forest-Based Livelihoods
• Chapter 12 SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Potential Benefits and Impacts on Forests and Livelihoods
• Chapter 13 SDG 13: Climate Action – Impacts on Forests and People
• Chapter 14 SDG 14: Life below Water – Impacts on Mangroves
• Chapter 15 SDG 15: Life on Land – The Central Role of Forests in Sustainable Development
• Chapter 16 SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – A Political Ecology Perspective
• Chapter 17 SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Focus on Forest Finance and Partnerships
• Chapter 18 Synergies, Trade-Offs and Contextual Conditions Shaping Impacts of the Sustainable Development Goals on Forests and People
• Chapter 19 The Impacts of the Sustainable Development Goals on Forests and People – Conclusions and the Way Forward

Chapter 15 - SDG 15: Life on Land – The Central Role of Forests in Sustainable Development

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2019

SDG 15 requires the maintenance of life on land and endorses priorities already established through international conventions and agreements. The scale, and complexity, of tropical forest loss and biodiversity decline versus the limited resources for conservation and forestry pose many challenges. The main innovation of SDG 15 is that decision makers will see this goal as one to integrate with other SDGs; the risk is that short-term priorities and a ‘business as usual’ approach will undermine this. We examine these opportunities and challenges, the factors that impinge upon them and how they may play out over the next decade. There will be trade-offs between SDG 15 and other SDGs resulting from competition for land, but there are also synergies and opportunities that require recognition. We encourage conservation and development professionals to engage with those responsible for all the Agenda 2030 targets to ensure that SDG 15 is a priority in all SDG related processes.

There will be trade-offs between SDG 15 and other SDGs resulting from competition for land, but there are also synergies and opportunities.

The principal opportunity of SDG 15 is that it will be recognised and integrated, along with the other SDGs, in all developments.

The main risk is that short-term priorities and a ‘business as usual’ approach will undermine this opportunity for integration and synergy and SDG 15 will often be overlooked.

The scale, and complexity, of challenges for conserving life on land, versus the limited resources available, pose many challenges.

Greater cross-sectoral integration, not just sectoral policy reform, is essential to advancing SDG 15.

We encourage conservation and development professionals to engage with those responsible for all the Agenda 2030 targets to ensure that SDG 15 is a priority in all SDG related processes.

15.1 Introduction

The claim that stewardship of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly forests and their rich biodiversity, is essential for sustainable development has achieved broad recognition. The conservation of life on land is recognised as Goal 15 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). When the SDGs were adopted by the UN in 2015, all indicators showed that life on Earth was in decline (Schipper et al. Reference Schipper, Chanson and Chiozza 2008 , Tittensor et al. Reference Tittensor, Walpole and Hill 2014 ), eroding the ability to meet human needs (Pimm et al. Reference Pimm, Jenkins and Abell 2014 ). SDG 15 asks for the protection, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems along with the sustainable management of forests, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation and halting biodiversity loss. Clearly, the pressures of population growth, economic development and increased consumption will only intensify the challenges for the maintenance of life on land. In this chapter we examine the opportunities and challenges that merit particular attention if we are serious about SDG 15 and reversing the decline of life on Earth. In principle, SDG 15 (Life on Land) is recognised as having equal prominence alongside other SDGs. As there are widespread calls for integration and explicit attention to synergies and trade-offs among SDG outcomes (Le Blanc Reference Le Blanc 2015 , Stafford-Smith et al. Reference Stafford-Smith, Griggs and Gaffney 2017 ), the existence of SDG 15 should result in conservation concerns and issues having a raised profile within the wider decision-making community. Unfortunately, this appears far from assured. Many people, especially in the biodiverse tropics, view conservation as a concern of rich Western nations with little relevance to immediate local needs. Western conservation agencies that focus on charismatic species and the concerns and preferences of Western audiences do little to dispel these preconceptions (Meijaard and Sheil Reference Meijaard and Sheil 2008 ). At the same time, most people worldwide, including most politicians, policymakers and experts, now live in cities, where they are disconnected from nature and forests (Soga et al. Reference Soga, Gaston, Koyanagi, Kurisu and Hanaki 2016 ). A recent survey by Price Waterhouse Coopers found that in many countries SDG 15 and SDG 14 (Life below Water) are getting less attention than other SDGs (Scott and McGill Reference Scott and McGill 2018 ). Development and conservation are viewed as being in competition – and development is the more immediate priority.

This chapter summarises recent forest and biodiversity trends and the diverse contexts in which progress towards SDG 15 will play out. We focus on the factors and conditions likely to influence achievement of the goals and targets. We then examine three broad areas: (1) forest cover and management, (2) biodiversity and (3) financial and policy instruments. We examine the implementation of SDG 15 in Indonesia, where challenges over forest and natural resource stewardship will influence the attainment of all SDGs. We advocate a more inclusive, proactive and outcome-based approach to SDG 15, firmly rooted in realistic scenarios. We hope to see transformational change rather than business as usual. (See Table 15.1 for SDG 15 targets and indicators.)

Table 15.1 SDG 15 Goal, targets and indicators

15.2 Trends and Contexts

SDG 15 endorses priorities already established through previous conventions and agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Aichi Biodiversity Targets and Nagoya Protocol, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Most SDG 15 indicators draw on existing data and measures. This is potentially both a strength and a weakness. Using existing metrics allows for long-term analysis but runs the danger of perpetuating business as usual and not encouraging attention to emerging needs (see Steffen et al. Reference Steffen, Broadgate, Deutsch, Gaffney and Ludwig 2015 ).

15.2.1 Forest Cover and Management

Forest cover and condition are influenced by various drivers – direct and indirect. A growing population, trending towards 9 billion, is increasing demand for food and other commodities and placing more pressure on land while also affecting livelihoods and health. Climate change may curtail food production in some locations and create new options in others (Lobell et al. Reference Lobell, Schlenker and Costa-Roberts 2011 ). Competing demands on land require the management of trade-offs, which will raise many challenges (Laurance et al. Reference Laurance, Sayer and Cassman 2013 ). Achieving SDG 15 will require addressing these drivers and trade-offs so as to bolster life on land and accommodate wider societal values.

Many studies document trends and changes in the extent and condition of the world’s forests and biodiversity (FAO 2010 , 2012 , Keenan et al. Reference Keenan, Reams and Achard 2015 , Sloan and Sayer Reference Sloan and Sayer 2015 ). For example, FAO’s Forest Resources Assessments have found that between 1990 and 2015, global forest cover decreased by 3.1 per cent, to 30.6 per cent of global land area. Total forest area declined from more than 4.1 billion ha to below 4 billion ha. The rate of loss has slowed since 2010, but there are significant regional variations. From 2010 to 2015, boreal and subtropical forests suffered virtually no net loss while temperate forests gained over 2 million ha per year. Deforestation remained higher in the tropics, with 5–6 million ha lost annually in the same period, a reduction from nearly 10 million ha per year in the 1990–2000 period (FAO 2015 ).

Using different definitions and methods, Global Forest Watch ( 2019 ) shows continued, if uneven, decline in tropical tree cover since 2001. Agriculture has been responsible for about 80 per cent of tropical and subtropical deforestation (Kissinger et al. Reference Kissinger, Herold and De Sy 2012 ). Over this same period, large-scale commercial agriculture has replaced subsistence agriculture as the most important driver of change across the tropics and subtropics. In recent years commercial agriculture has been responsible for 70 per cent of deforestation in Latin America, compared to 30–35 per cent in tropical Asia and Africa (Kissinger et al. Reference Kissinger, Herold and De Sy 2012 ). In recent years the FAO’s FRA studies have reported on changes in the condition, management and production of forests (FAO 2012 ). Though forest area has increased in many parts of the world, much of this is a result of expansion of industrial tree plantations. Planted forest area increased in all regions between 1990 and 2015, while natural forest area declined in all regions except Europe and Oceania (FAO 2015 ). Plantations constitute about 7 per cent of the world’s forests (FAO 2015 ) and will likely continue to expand beyond 2030.

Another trend concerns sources of wood and timber. The area of timber-production forest in low-income countries is declining, though it remains stable in higher-income countries. Meanwhile, the volume of wood harvested is increasing in every region except Europe and North America (FAO 2015 ). Addressing growing demand for wood in the tropics may ultimately require more intensive forest management or greater timber imports from temperate and boreal forests.

15.2.2 Biodiversity

Current global species extinction rates are estimated to be about three orders of magnitude above those of the prehuman world (Pimm et al. Reference Pimm, Jenkins and Abell 2014 ). Habitat loss, unsustainable hunting, introduced invasive species and other factors have contributed to 322 recorded extinctions of terrestrial vertebrates since 1500. Meanwhile, the populations of most remaining species have declined (Dirzo et al. Reference Dirzo, Young and Galetti 2014 , Pimm et al. Reference Pimm, Jenkins and Abell 2014 ). Detailed assessments by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have identified 24 307 species that are currently facing significant threat of extinction (IUCN 2019 ).

Forests, in particular tropical forests, harbour most of Earth’s species and most of the threatened species (Vira et al. Reference Vira, Agarwal, Jamnadass, Vira, Wildburger and Mansourian 2015 ). In IUCN’s most recent global assessment of mammal species, 25 per cent (1139) were judged ‘threatened with extinction’ while another 15 per cent (836) were ‘data deficient’ (Pimm et al. Reference Pimm, Jenkins and Abell 2014 , Schipper et al. Reference Schipper, Chanson and Chiozza 2008 ). These figures are underestimates, as we still know little about the overall diversity of many tropical taxa. New species are still being discovered in even the best-known groups; for example, 85 new primates were described between 2000 and 2016 (Estrada et al. Reference Estrada, Garber and Rylands 2017 ) and a new great ape (an orangutan, Pongo tapanuliensis ) was described in 2017 (Nater et al. Reference Nater, Mattle-Greminger and Nurcahyo 2017 ).

The risk of species loss reflects multiple factors – including habitat loss, modification and fragmentation, over-exploitation, interactions with other species and climate change – and combinations of all these factors (Selwood et al. Reference Selwood, Mcgeoch and Mac Nally 2015 ). When a species is lost from a forest, the ecological processes that depend upon that species are lost with it; this reduces community resilience and can provoke further species losses (Dirzo et al. Reference Dirzo, Young and Galetti 2014 , Redford Reference Redford 1992 ).

These threats and changes are ongoing worldwide. For example, terrestrial ecosystems are increasingly fragmented by infrastructure (Laurance et al. Reference Laurance, Clements and Sloan 2014 ), posing new challenges for those seeking to protect life on land. Climate change is a major emerging threat. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows that the Earth warmed by an estimated 0.74°C over the last century and is forecast to warm by another 1.5–4.5°C this century (IPCC Reference Stocker, Qin and Plattner 2013 ). Places where forest can grow, and in which species can persist, will change as climate changes. While the worst impacts likely lie beyond 2030, significant changes are now underway. Various local extinctions have already been attributed to changes in climate (Cahill et al. Reference Cahill, Aiello-Lammens and Fisher-Reid 2013 , Wiens Reference Wiens 2016 ,). Predicted changes mean that many species will not persist unless they move to more favourable locations, but many species face barriers to such movement or appear unable to move rapidly enough to find and track suitable climates (Corlett and Westcott Reference Corlett and Westcott 2013 ). Even common species appear at risk (Warren et al. Reference Warren, Vanderwal and Price 2013 ). While outcomes remain uncertain, many authoritative accounts based on IPCC scenarios anticipate numerous extinctions (Cahill et al. Reference Cahill, Aiello-Lammens and Fisher-Reid 2013 ). Even if forests persist, climate will influence their growth and productivity and intensify threats, such as drought and fire that impact their ecological and economic viability.

15.2.3 Social–Economic Systems

For several billion people, wild plants and animals remain essential elements of daily life. Forests and biodiversity underpin subsistence, providing goods and services important for health, fuel and income. Many farmers still depend on wild resources. Food security and nutrition are bolstered and sustained by wild species to a much greater extent than is often widely recognised (Colfer et al. Reference Colfer, Sheil, Kaimowitz and Kishi 2006 ). Many million people lack ready access to modern healthcare and depend on wild plants and animals for medicines. Forest-dependent people are among the world’s poorest and most marginalised. In many cases, wild resources provide a crucial safety net, allowing people to find food and manage after crises (Liswanti et al. Reference Liswanti, Sheil, Basuki, Padmanaba and Mulcahy 2011 ). As these dependent populations grow and access to wild resources declines, there will be major implications for people’s lives and livelihoods. If these wild resources are no longer available, difficult lives will be made even harder.

As challenges to development and sustainability become increasingly evident (climate change, water, food security, inequality etc.), bottom-up commitments may be stronger drivers of change than top-down discourses and policy. SDG 15 conveys a sense that central government is the predominant driver of moves to conserve life on land, but recent practice suggests that in many countries moves to achieve conservation through decentralised governance systems are gaining traction (Agrawal et al. Reference Agrawal, Chhatre and Hardin 2008 , Ribot et al. Reference Ribot, Agrawal and Larson 2006 ). Decentralised and community resource management are being pursued in many countries and in diverse contexts, but they are not always the panacea that their advocates claim (Agrawal and Gibson Reference Agrawal and Gibson 1999 , Boedhihartono Reference Boedhihartono 2017 , Robinson et al. Reference Robinson, Holland and Naughton-Treves 2014 ). Some communities that have maintained strong control over their lands and resources remain effective in achieving desirable conservation outcomes and are willing to see large tracts of land set aside in perpetuity: an example is the protection of Papua’s Foja Mountains and large areas of the Mamberamo Valley that are held to be sacred (Sheil et al. Reference Sheil, Boissière and Beaudoin 2015 ). Nonetheless, in many cases there is a tension between the management of resources for local goals and the need to conserve public goods values (Sayer et al. Reference Sayer, Margules and Boedhihartono 2017 ).

The growth of economies, a major target of many other SDGs, will have major impacts on terrestrial biodiversity. Human populations will move, cities will grow, agricultural technologies will allow for producing more on less land (Sayer and Cassman Reference Sayer and Cassman 2013 ). If these trends continue, the supply and demand of forest goods and services in 2030 and beyond will be primarily determined by indirect drivers outside the forest sector (Bruinsma Reference Bruinsma 2009 ). The planet as a whole may be advancing through a forest transition in which nations experience a period of protracted forest loss, followed by reaching a low point and then a stage of widespread reforestation and forest recovery (Rudel et al. Reference Rudel, Coomes and Moran 2005 ). Different regions are advancing at different speeds, with some areas still suffering dramatic forest loss, such as Southeast Asia, and others showing substantial gain, such as the tropical Andes. Those who seek to implement SDG 15 need to do so with these likely changes in mind. Maintaining forest-dependent biodiversity through the low point in the transition, and the rapid expansion of suitable habitat in the post-transition era, will be important (see Wright and Muller-Landau Reference Wright and Muller-Landau 2006 and subsequent discussions, e.g. Melo et al. Reference Melo, Arroyo-Rodríguez, Fahrig, Martínez-Ramos and Tabarelli 2013 , Rudel et al. Reference Rudel, Defries, Asner and Laurance 2009 ). Examples include the widespread protection even of young or degraded forests and control of damaging practices such as hunting, over-exploitation and fire that may reduce the conservation value of human impacted forests (Chazdon et al. Reference Chazdon, Peres and Dent 2009 ). The implication is that there are many domains where policymakers can make a major difference to the maintenance or loss of life on land. Those seeking to address SDG 15 should identify the right policy signals to ensure the best outcomes for biodiversity and for societies’ future needs. These are long-term objectives: 2030 should not be seen as an end point – the changes that are under way in 2030 will influence life on land for millennia.

Aside from the many sectoral challenges, those addressing SDG 15 will also confront long-standing issues of legal enforcement. Consider the challenges posed by the illegal trade in wildlife and timber – worth, respectively, an estimated USD 8–10 billion (Haken Reference Haken 2011 ) and USD 7 billion per year – with links to powerful organised crime systems and insurgencies (Milner-Gulland Reference Milner-Gulland 2018 ). In many regions military interests manage and protect these activities. Trends suggest that ‘regulatory approaches are being overwhelmed by rising prices and growing relative poverty between areas of supply and centers of demand. Aggressive enforcement of trade controls, in particular bans, can increase profits for traffickers and lead to the involvement of organized criminals with the capacity to operate even under increased enforcement effort’ (Challender and MacMillan Reference Challender and Macmillan 2014 : 484). Foresters, conservationists and enforcement agencies are ill-equipped to confront such forces. More light needs to be shed on these issues, which will prove challenging. According to Global Witness, in 2016 there were 200 confirmed murders of environmental activists, wildlife rangers and Indigenous leaders trying to protect their land (Watts and Vidal Reference Watts and Vidal 2017 ).

15.2.4 What Are the Future Challenges for Conservation of Life on Land?

What challenges will forests and biodiversity face in the coming decade? How will the context of conservation and sustainable use change from that which existed in 2015? How will progress on the other SDGs impact the attainment of SDG 15? Several major trends are already apparent, all of which will impact on life on land. If economies continue to grow as they have in recent decades, then many more people will escape from extreme poverty – including many who currently depend upon forest resources for their livelihoods. The dependency of these people on forests will decrease. If economies stagnate, then the rural poor will suffer disproportionately and achieving conservation goals will be more difficult. Under optimistic scenarios, people in rural areas will have better health and education and, consequently, smaller families. The ability to provide services, peace and opportunities to those who survive in and around forests, rangelands and wetlands will be a major determinant of many of the SDGs, including SDG 15. A major unknown is the fate of the 2 billion-plus subsistence farmers in the tropics: will economies and education provide attractive alternative livelihoods on or off the lands? If progress is made on the other SDGs, then we see the following scenario unfolding between now and 2030:

People will move from rural areas to cities.

Agriculture will continue to intensify and move towards larger, more mechanised farms. Industrial agriculture, especially tree crops, will continue to expand into forested areas. Productivity gains may reduce demand for land, but in some regions expansion may displace farmers into other frontier areas (Laurance et al. Reference Laurance, Sayer and Cassman 2013 ).

A shift will occur in the demand for agricultural commodities – for example an increase in meat and dairy consumption – as peoples’ purchasing power increases.

Infrastructure will continue to expand into forest areas to access mineral resources and new land for agriculture.

Demand for near-natural forests for their biodiversity values and other ecosystem services will increase. Demand for forests for recreational use, especially in peri-urban areas, will also grow (Tyrväinen et al. Reference Tyrväinen, Pauleit, Seeland, de Vries, Konijnendijk, Nilsson, Randrup and Schipperijn 2005 ).

Processes of decentralisation of natural resources management to communities and local governments will continue. Integrated management practices may become more widely adopted.

Countries will move towards a green economy or bio-economy and increasing forest extent and health will be supported by this trend.

Timber harvesting from natural forests will continue to decline as more timber is produced at less cost from plantations, on farms and along roadsides.

Capacity to assess and monitor a wide range of forest attributes, particularly with improved remote sensing and application of the ‘internet of things’, will increase.

Attempts to address some of the world’s climate concerns through forest conservation and restoration will intensify.

Climate-related stresses on forests and the associated risks from fire and invasive species will intensify.

The SDGs are part of a greater process. The SDGs will not be entirely met by 2030, with inevitable disparity in the progress made in different countries. Conserving life on land will remain a work in progress and SDG 15 will play out in a variety of contexts. Contexts will strongly influence the approaches that would be appropriate to pursue SDG 15 targets. Those implementing the SDGs will need the awareness, flexibility and understanding to adapt to the nuances and opportunities of their specific situations.

15.3 Achieving SDG 15 Targets

15.3.1 targets for forest cover and management.

The measurement and interpretation of forest resource changes is challenging. Even measuring changes in forest area remains beyond the capacity of many countries – though increasingly easy access to satellite-based imagery is helping address this. For example, Terra-i Footnote 1 and Global Forest Watch Footnote 2 both provide access to land-cover data. FAO’s FRA already collects data applicable to SDG 15 – including forest area as a proportion of land area and country compliance with requirements to report on policies relevant to sustainable forest management. The FRA also reinforces concerns about SDG 15. Forest area change means different things to different countries. For many forest-rich tropical countries, economic growth is seen as requiring increased forest conversion to agriculture and other uses. A case in point is Bolivia, which in its submission to the FAO Forest Resources assessment for 2015 stated the intention to reduce forest area by some 75 per cent, presumably in order to spur economic growth. This demonstrates the conundrum governments face in planning forest area. Many governments will choose the path of economic growth over forest conservation, but they seldom make this de facto policy explicit.

Indicator 15.2.1 requires measurement of progress towards sustainable forest management. What defines and determines sustainable forest management remains unclear for many. The topic is contentious, and achievements are difficult to quantify. This is demonstrated in how the FRA has handled the topic since FRA 2010. In the 2010 reporting year, countries were simply asked how much forest area was under sustainable forest management. Guidelines were lacking and the reported values were not taken seriously outside the FAO process. In the most recent FRA (FAO 2015 ), countries were asked to report a range of values including areas under management plans – inclusive of those that had community inputs, monitoring of management plans and public forest resource reporting (MacDicken Reference MacDicken 2015 ). This approach allows users to select indicators that best fit their understanding of sustainable forest management. It is a pragmatic solution, but there are still concerns that the selected indicators neglect crucial factors such as the contributions of forests – and how they are managed – to people.

By focusing on forest cover and protected forest extent, SDG 15 may underestimate the complexity of forest land governance and the differing values of forest types. Forests where timber has been harvested often retain significant biodiversity values and protecting these values is important, especially when the other option is forest clearance (Edwards et al. Reference Edwards, Tobias, Sheil, Meijaard and Laurance 2014 ). For centuries, tropical foresters sought to protect and manage natural forests in a sustainable manner (Dawkins and Philip Reference Dawkins and Philip 1998 , Ghazoul and Sheil Reference Ghazoul and Sheil 2010 , Wiersum Reference Wiersum 1995 ). Forestry’s destructive image arose in the second half of the twentieth century when large-scale industrial timber harvesting was widely promoted without regard for sustainability. Nonetheless, though overshadowed, efforts to protect and sustainably harvest tropical forests have continued into the modern era. Two large tropic-wide meta-analyses found that selectively harvested production forests retain a species richness of animals, insects and plants similar to that found in undisturbed forests (Gibson et al. Reference Gibson, Lee and Koh 2011 , Putz et al. Reference Putz, Zuidema and Synnott 2012 ), and far higher species richness than competing non-forestland uses (Gibson et al. Reference Gibson, Lee and Koh 2011 ). Production forests also harbour an array of IUCN red-listed species (Edwards et al. Reference Edwards, Larsen and Docherty 2010 ), underscoring their potential to protect critical biodiversity. Managed timber concessions are often better protected than poorly staffed protected areas (Meijaard and Sheil Reference Meijaard and Sheil 2007 ). However, harvesting timber at higher intensities (Burivalova et al. Reference Burivalova, Şekercioğlu and Koh 2014 ), failing to retain patches of undisturbed forest within production landscapes (Edwards et al. Reference Edwards, Tobias, Sheil, Meijaard and Laurance 2014 ) or using more destructive conventional rather than reduced-impact logging techniques (Bicknell et al. Reference Bicknell, Struebig and Davies 2015 ) devalues the conservation potential of production forests. Intensively managed tropical forests tend to lose certain species and become more homogeneous (Alroy Reference Alroy 2017 ).

Production forests should be seen as an addition to rather than a replacement for more strictly protected areas. While there are many uncertainties and unknowns, when we look at the big picture we do largely know which practices improve conservation outcomes (Dale et al. Reference Dale, Brown and Haeuber 2000 , IUCN and ITTO 2019 , Meijaard et al. Reference Meijaard, Sheil and Nasi 2005 ). Achieving SDG 15 requires an open-minded approach that seeks opportunities to promote improved conservation outcomes not only through the protection of large-scale intact landscapes devoid of people, but also through the small-scale trade-offs that arise in more densely settled regions.

15.3.2 Targets for Biodiversity

Achieving SDG 15 requires an intensification of efforts to implement the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and a range of other plans and strategies elaborated by intergovernmental processes. The Aichi targets encompass more ambitious goals than those originally agreed on by the CBD in 2002. Available data from the 55 different biodiversity indicators compiled by the World Conservation Monitoring Centre suggest that the Aichi targets, set by the CBD in 2010, will not be achieved by the 2020 target date (Tittensor et al. Reference Tittensor, Walpole and Hill 2014 ). By 2010, 31 indicators had not been achieved and biodiversity was still declining with no substantial reductions in the rate of loss. Pressures on biodiversity were still increasing. There were some successes, including improvements in the nominal coverage of protected areas (Butchart et al. Reference Butchart, Walpole and Collen 2010 ), but most of the increase was in protected landscapes whose biodiversity values may not be high.

By 2016, some 14.7 per cent of the world’s terrestrial surface was officially protected (217 155 areas): coverage is generally higher in the tropics (Brooks et al. Reference Brooks, Wright and Sheil 2009 ). Yet, as protected area targets are often achieved at the cost of reduced management standards and abilities, this alone is not a sufficient proxy for improved biodiversity outcomes (Dudley et al. Reference Dudley, Phillips, Amend, Brown and Stolton 2016 , Watson et al. Reference Watson, Dudley, Segan and Hockings 2014 ,). Many species occur primarily, or exclusively, outside formal protected areas or require much larger habitat areas to ensure viability (Brooks et al. Reference Brooks, Wright and Sheil 2009 , Ricketts et al. Reference Ricketts, Dinerstein and Boucher 2005 , Rodrigues et al. Reference Rodrigues, Akcakaya and Andelman 2004 ). This reflects the tendency for governments to protect areas that are economically marginal and under only limited threat. Such approaches do not yield the best conservation outcomes. Protected areas are effective only if adequately resourced, yet this is often not the case (Brooks et al. Reference Brooks, Wright and Sheil 2009 , Bruner et al. Reference Bruner, Gullison, Rice and Da Fonseca 2001 , Inamdar et al. Reference Inamdar, De Jode, Lindsay and Cobb 1999 ). These shortfalls in funding tend to be most severe in the poorest countries – the places where investments in conservation can likely make the biggest direct contributions. A simple national-scale conservation-status index based on changes in the IUCN red-listing of birds and mammals can predict with remarkable accuracy the positive impacts of the financial investments made towards achieving conservation versus benefits from economic, agricultural and population growth (Waldron et al. Reference Waldron, Miller and Redding 2017 ). This model indicates that the relative benefits of conservation spending are greatest in the poorest, most biodiverse nations (Waldron et al. Reference Waldron, Miller and Redding 2017 ).

McCarthy et al. ( Reference McCarthy, Donald and Scharlemann 2012 ) examined global conservation needs and estimated that the conservation of terrestrial species would require an annual expenditure of USD 76.1 billion, equivalent to 0.1 per cent of global GDP, or less than 5 per cent of global defence spending (Sheil Reference Sheil, Sanz, Lewis, Mata and Connaughton 2017 ). Current expenditures average about half of these requirements in higher-income countries and less than one-third (31 per cent) in lower-income countries. While McCarthy et al. ( Reference McCarthy, Donald and Scharlemann 2012 ) are doubtless correct that conservation should obtain increased financial support, their approach neglects local costs and consequences (Sheil et al. Reference Sheil, Meijaard, Angelsen, Sayer and Vanclay 2013 ), including past injustices, widespread evictions and mistreatment of local populations (Agrawal and Redford Reference Agrawal and Redford 2009 , Dowie Reference Dowie 2011 ). These are not just a ‘colonial legacy’; many communities living near protected areas suffer from the presence of wild animals: crops are destroyed, domestic animals are killed and people are attacked (Hill Reference Hill 2015 , Naughton-Treves et al. Reference Naughton-Treves, Alix-Garcia and Chapman 2011 ). With current laws often not offering any provisions for direct compensation, victims bear the costs.

Such human costs of protected areas matter both as an ethical concern in their own right, not least because they can erode advances being made on other SDGs such as ending poverty (SDG 1), access to affordable energy (SDG 7) and justice (SDG 16), and because they undermine community support and escalate threats. They pose a challenge to local support for conservation (Sheil et al. Reference Sheil, Meijaard, Angelsen, Sayer and Vanclay 2013 ). Indeed, failure to satisfactorily address such costs and concerns has often turned communities against conservation (Baker et al. Reference Baker, Milner-Gulland and Leader-Williams 2012 , Boissière et al. Reference Boissière, Sheil, Basuki, Wan and Le 2009 , Sharpe Reference Sharpe 1998 , Temudo Reference Temudo 2012 ), with much conservation expenditure required to counter the ensuing conflicts (Roe Reference Roe 2008 ). We already see politicians speaking against conservation and promising that if they are elected, they will ensure that people will get their lands back (Sassen et al. Reference Sassen, Sheil, Giller and Ter Braak 2013 ). In a world in which conservation requires societal support, the manner in which local costs are dealt with appears crucial. While the biophysical measures of SDG 15 do not address these trends and their drivers, those looking to achieve these goals should.

15.3.3 Targets for Financial and Policy Instruments

The SDG 15 targets related to governance, particularly Targets 15.9–15.12, cover policy integration, resource mobilisation and capacity-building for the conservation, sustainable use and fair and equitable sharing of benefits from forests, biodiversity and landscapes. Of these, the call for policy integration is the most innovative. Indeed, the loss of terrestrial biodiversity is favoured by existing sectoral approaches that underlie land-use decisions and their hierarchical ordering. Mining and infrastructure are higher priorities than agriculture, which in turn is higher than forestry and conservation. Integrating biodiversity concerns into all land-use policies and decisions would be an advance. Thus, agriculture, infrastructure and forestry could become much more nature-inclusive, which might then substantially reduce their impacts on biodiversity. The absence of reference to natural resource issues in most of the SDGs is symptomatic of a fundamental trade-off among the priorities of the different sectors.

The advancement of nature-inclusive land-use policies will in many cases be opposed by vested interests. The decisions that drive the political economies of biodiversity loss and deforestation, including illegal practices and organised crime, are shaped by these economic-interests. Greater cross-sectoral integration, not just sectoral policy reform, is essential. Transformational change of political economies is surely essential, but such change appears unlikely. Along with policy changes, the behaviour of producers and consumers needs to be fundamentally changed. Working with the best integrative practices at the landscape level can be a first step forward (Sayer et al. Reference Sayer, Sunderland and Ghazoul 2013 ).

The other two institutional targets under SDG 15 are resource mobilisation and capacity-building. External forest finance has relatively little impact in most cases because the value of forest production or alternative land uses is typically much higher than development assistance funding. Simula ( Reference Simula 2008 ) provided an estimate of total official development assistance (ODA) to the forest sector at nearly USD 2 billion per year, of which about USD 1.3 billion is to forestry and some USD 700 million to forest conservation. In contrast, wood removals from tropical Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America were reported to be approximately 1803 x 10 9 cubic metres in 2011. Using a 2011 value of USD 150 per cubic metre this comes to about USD 270 billion, or more than 100 times the value of total official ODA flows to forests. Footnote 3 Simula’s estimate of USD 1.3 billion of ODA to forestry is less than 0.5 per cent of estimated value of wood production. This does not include the value of non-timber forest products, or the value of domestic public-sector expenditure. In addition to external ODA flows, Whiteman et al. ( Reference Whiteman, Wickramasinghe and Piña 2015 ) report some USD 7.3 billion in public-sector forest expenditure in tropical and subtropical countries in 2010. As another comparison, consider palm oil: in 2016, the value of Indonesian palm oil exports was USD 18.1 billion (GAPKI 2017 ). The financial drivers impacting forestlands are vastly larger than government allocations to the forest sector. ODA contributions to the forest sector remain important to support research and to provide examples of sustainable forestry, but many of the problems of unsustainable resource use will only be resolved with widespread changes in the behaviour of both producers and consumers and their governments.

15.4 SDG 15 in Indonesia: A Case in Point

Indonesia is a major player in the SDG process. President Susilo Bambang Yudhiono was co-chair of the UN committee that developed the SDGs. Indonesia is striving to be a leader in the pursuit of the SDG concept.

Indonesia officially classes 91 million ha (49.8 per cent of its land area) to forest. However, much of this land is no longer forested, and there are multiple overlapping claims on the land. Government figures state a net annual loss of forest of 0.7 per cent from 2010 to 2015 (684 000 ha) (FAO 2015 ). Relatively intact old-growth forests represent at most 50 per cent of total forest area and are stated to be declining by 800 000 ha per year. Much deforestation occurs in areas previously degraded by swidden agriculture or logging, in lowland areas, although recently some expansion of deforestation has occurred in the uplands (Margono et al. Reference Margono, Potapov, Turubanova, Stolle and Hansen 2014 ). Approximately 45 per cent of recent deforestation has occurred within industrial concessions, mainly for oil palm (Abood et al. Reference Abood, Ser Huay Lee, Burivalova, Garcia-Ulloa and Koh 2015 ).

Indonesia is home to 10 per cent of the world’s flowering plant species, of which 55 per cent are endemic; 12 per cent of mammal species; 17 per cent of bird species; 16 per cent of reptile species; and 35 per cent of primate species (CBD Secretariat 2018 ). Habitat loss, deforestation, fragmentation and degradation means that 1259 species are threatened. This is despite protected areas covering 15 per cent of total sea and land area (von Rintelen et al. Reference von Rintelen, Arida and Häuser 2017 ) and 41 per cent of forests (Abood et al. Reference Abood, Ser Huay Lee, Burivalova, Garcia-Ulloa and Koh 2015 ). Lowland forests contain the most biodiversity, but are the most threatened due to increasing pressure from population growth, infrastructure development, fires and conversion to industrial estate crops (CBD Secretariat 2018 ).

As an emerging economy, development in Indonesia is rapidly expanding into areas rich in terrestrial and marine biodiversity. About 10 per cent of Indonesians live below the national poverty line, a figure in annual decline. Population growth means that average farm size is becoming smaller (McCarthy and Robinson Reference McCarthy, Robinson, McCarthy and Robinson 2016 ). Human development in the eastern provinces lags behind the islands closer to the administrative centre. Government investments in infrastructure to improve the lives of the poorest provinces, such as West Papua and Maluku, will increase the pressure on forests as access becomes easier for extractive industries. Some 50–70 million Indonesians have self-identified as ‘Indigenous’, and many of these people rely on natural resources for their livelihoods (AMAN 2013 ). Many Indigenous Indonesians, particularly those living in forests without legal rights, are among those most affected by forest degradation and loss. Integration of forest policy decisions with local realities is increasing, and the government is working towards recognising the rights of Indonesia’s rural poor, particularly the Indigenous forest-dependent peoples.

Decisions on use of forestlands lie with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF). Indonesia’s constitution acknowledges the concept of traditional ownership, but also declares that the state has responsibility for the nation’s natural resources (Wrangham Reference Wrangham, Colfer and Resosudarmo 2002 ). This ambiguity permitted post-independence governments to assert ever-greater control over forest areas, leading to a complex situation where different state institutions have overlapping, and seemingly incompatible, rights and responsibilities for the same lands. For decades, campaigners and others have urged the Indonesian government to return control of forests to local communities. Indonesia’s Constitutional Court finally agreed in its decision No. 35/PUU-X/2012. Consequently, President Jokowi pledged that local rights would be respected and that 12.7 million ha of forestland would be returned to communities by 2019. This transfer of rights is continuing, but progress has been slow, inhibited by legislative and political hurdles.

The pledged redistribution of 12.7 million ha of forestland to community and Indigenous groups could significantly contribute to conserving life on land in Indonesia. While most areas will be under community forestry schemes, an increasing proportion of forestland will now come under the private ownership of Indigenous groups. Considerable uncertainty remains as to how the behaviour of communities will change in response to these new land-tenure arrangements (Sayer et al. Reference Sayer, Margules and Boedhihartono 2017 ). More than 40 million ha of the forest estate is licenced to concessionaires: 21.49 million ha for timber exploitation and 19.4 million for oil palm plantations (McCarthy and Robinson Reference McCarthy, Robinson, McCarthy and Robinson 2016 ). These industries drive rural economies and contribute significantly to the national economy. Current investments in the service sector and tourism may reduce economic reliance on natural resource extraction and exports. Agricultural and forestry land-management standards will be critical to maintaining Indonesia’s life on land in a future period of economic transition. The tensions between drivers of the globalised economy and the rights of rural and Indigenous populations in Indonesia echo similar tensions in many developing tropical countries.

15.4.1 SDG Implementation in Indonesia

The SDGs in Indonesia are overseen by an SDG coordination team ( Figure 15.1 ) that integrates targets and indicators within the medium-term plans of central and provincial governments. The national SDG action plan is the template for all provincial action plans for the period up until 2020.

Figure 15.1 Organisational structure of SDG coordination in Indonesia.

The top-down nature of the SDGs presents challenges for the application of SDG 15 in many countries, including Indonesia. The SDGs prioritised in the national SDG action plan must pass through the national and subnational development plan and budgets before implementation at the local level. In this process, the Indonesian government identifies which goals align with national and regional priorities and allocates resources towards these priorities. As a result, some SDGs receive higher budget allocations, particularly SDG1 (No Poverty) and SDG2 (Zero Hunger). Targets 15.4, 15.A and 15.B are not identified in the national development plan, so we would expect to see no investment in, for instance, mountain conservation. Considering the trend for increased deforestation in upland areas, the omission of Target 15.4 is a concern for protection of biodiversity and preservation of forested land.

In Riau, the first province to complete its SDG action plan, SDG 15 receives little attention: just three targets – 15.1, 15.2 and 15.3 – are included. Unlike the national SDG action plan, Targets 15.5–15.9 are excluded. For a province that has extensive industrial forestry concessions, it is surprising to see that key biodiversity and invasive species targets are not addressed. An acknowledged value of the SDG process – to encourage integration and to make trade-offs more explicit – is not being addressed in the Riau Provincial Action Plan. Interestingly, some of the estate crop industries operating in Riau are using the SDGs as a framework for guiding their own activities in ways that promote environmental and social sustainability.

Indonesia is prioritising the SDG Target 15.2 for the restoration of degraded land. The MoEF aims to identify 500 000 ha of forest for restoration by 2019, and to have actually restored 100 000 ha by that date. The way this is done will have important consequences for other SDGs. In the past, degraded lands have often been allocated for estate crop development. There will still be pressure from local governments to convert degraded land to estate crops in order to drive local economic development. If MoEF restores natural forest, then a significant contribution to SDG 15 could be made. Further expansion of estate crops could lead local communities to lose their land and suffer economically (SDG 1) and culturally (SDG 2 Zero Hunger, SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities). People could be forced to move and could degrade forests in other areas. Estate crop development could provoke land conflicts and run counter to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Institutions).

A harmonised approach to the SDGs requires a full understanding of the social–ecological systems where change is happening. The danger is that SDG 15 is only used as a measuring and communication tool, unable to address the myriad of interconnected impacts that result from focusing only on achieving the headline indicator measurements.

15.4.2 Conclusions for Indonesia

Indonesia is taking a strong position on implementing the SDGs, but, like many other countries, is challenged to fully understand how the SDGs interact. The establishment of 12.7 million ha of forestlands under community management has implications for SDGs 1–3 and many more, but currently there is no framework for capturing this information and measuring the impacts of such policies on the other SDGs. Government policies tend to favour the pursuit of individual goals and may overlook trade-offs. As in many countries, SDG implementation is the responsibility of sectoral institutions. It is proving difficult to deal with the interconnected web of targets and indicators that Agenda 2030 envisages.

In many cases, the only options for Indonesia’s rural population to escape poverty require converting more forestland to agriculture or for people to move to cities. Local and provincial governments are understandably sympathetic to the needs of the rural poor. Reclassification of land as ‘other land use’ allows more land-clearing by smallholders but also by estate crop companies. Estate crops provide employment, drive local economies and are favoured by local government. The political economy of land-based investments in Indonesia has been widely debated (Barr and Sayer Reference Barr and Sayer 2012 ). Lessons learned from REDD+ demonstrate the difficulty of coordinating action against deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions on a national scale. Navigating synergies and trade-offs of SDGs will have to be context-based, recognising that forests in different parts of Indonesia are at different stages of transition. The diversity of Indonesia means SDGs cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach. As tenure arrangements continue to evolve, the challenge of conserving life on land will have to be met in a context of contested land claims and greatly increased pressures on forests. The dilemma facing the achievement of the SDGs in Indonesia is symptomatic of the situation found in many tropical countries under extreme development pressures.

15.5 Synergies and Trade-offs

The achievement of SDG 15 will have impacts on and be decided by the other SDGs. Context is everything, and the responsibility for each country to establish national priorities for implementation of the SDGs will determine the extent of synergies and trade-offs.

Life on land constitutes the essential environmental underpinning for human existence, and hence for all other SDGs. The degree to which other goals are given higher priority than SDG 15 will determine the extent of potentially large negative trade-offs. This is obvious when there are competing demands for land: for example, converting forests to agriculture could mean that SDG 2 competes with SDG 15. However, if SDG 2 is achieved through increased agricultural efficiency and more food is produced on less land, then there is potential for a positive synergy. A major potential synergy exists between attainment of SDG 15 and Target 16.6, the development of effective institutions. There is an urgent need in many countries to reform the institutions responsible for forests so that they can better deal with the multiple values of forests and the diverse stakeholders concerned by these values. Many other potential synergies with forests and forest biodiversity have an impact on people’s lives, such as the maintenance of pollinators required for various crops (IPBES Reference Potts, Imperatriz-Fonseca and Ngo 2016 ). We know from advances over the past decade that, in many regions, accessible groundwater (Ilstedt et al. Reference Ilstedt, Tobella and Bazié 2016 ) and the maintenance of reliable rainfall depends on forests and tree cover to a much greater degree than most policymakers and their advisors yet realise (Ellison et al. Reference Ellison, Morris and Locatelli 2017 , Sheil Reference Sheil 2018 ). A continuing dialogue around these potential synergies, both among experts and among the general population, would ensure more informed decision-making in which synergies leverage balanced sustainable development to achieve lasting benefits for life on land.

15.6 Discussion

SDG 15 is welcome in directing high-level attention to the need for conservation; but without an emphasis on integration, wide political and public engagement and greater responsiveness to local needs, SDG 15 risks perpetuating a sectoral, top-down approach. Decision-makers are now seeking to break down sectoral barriers, develop new institutional arrangements for managing landscapes and focus attention on the underlying causes of ecological decline rather than the symptoms. Integrated approaches to managing life on Earth have been recognised as essential for several decades (Brundtland Reference Brundtland 1987 , IUCN et al. 1980 ). Many countries are experimenting with decentralised institutions for managing natural resources (Sayer et al. Reference Sayer, Maginnis and Laurie 2005 ). Experiences gained through these initiatives can create opportunities for further transformation. Integrated, landscape-scale governance arrangements are now being widely pursued (Sayer and Collins Reference Sayer and Collins 2012 ). Much of the success of the SDGs will depend on whether SDG 15 encourages or impedes these ongoing changes.

The future of life on Earth depends largely on actions taken in support of all the SDGs. One might expect numerous references to environmental constraints in the indicators for all SDGs, but such references are few: there is only one mention of the word ‘forests’ in the entire SDG text outside SDG 15, in Target 6.6. Conservation and development are interdependent. Life on land, and forests in particular, is in general being husbanded better in countries that score well on the development indicators included in the other SDGs. Forests continue to decline in poorer countries with weak institutions. The fate of life on land really depends upon progress on SDGs 1–14 and 16–17.

In the introduction to this chapter we noted that SDG 15 could raise the profile of conservation within the broader community. We also noted the tendency for SDG 15 to be viewed as a second-tier goal behind the others. We must combat this: it is not the intention of Agenda 2030 to select and privilege some SDGs over others. This points to the need for SDG 15 advocates to reach out to those responsible for the other SDGs to show how and where the greatest synergies and most modest trade-offs can be achieved. We need to show that conservation can work with development rather than against it.

Many questions advanced by the conservation and development community over recent years and decades remain contentious. Many of these are central to the advancement of SDG 15. For example, are intensified (land-sparing) farming approaches preferable to low intensity (land-sharing) systems (Kremen Reference Kremen 2015 , Phalan et al. Reference Phalan, Onial, Balmford and Green 2011 )? We now know the answers depend on circumstances, and the fate of any ‘spared land’ is key. Continuation of such debates and further technical advances remain necessary to ensure better informed decisions.

15.7 Conclusions

If global economies continue to grow and people become more prosperous, then attitudes to forests and biodiversity will change. People may be more receptive to conservation, and moves towards green growth and bio-based economies will alleviate pressures on life on land. If economies stagnate between now and 2030, then the opposite may occur: people will be more concerned about their short-term well-being and may resist conservation measures. These trends may manifest themselves differently in poorer and richer countries. The degree to which SDG 15 and all the other SDGs are attained will be highly dependent on economic, social and political trends from now until 2030.

The targets and goals indicate what Agenda 2030 aspires to achieve, but they do not tell us how to get there. Since progress will be needed in highly divergent local contexts, there is need for the SDG process to be based upon locally learned lessons so that these can feed into SDG and forest policies at higher levels. Many decisions will be taken at the landscape level through a continued process of experimentation and adaptation. Progress in any of the SDG targets may involve fits and starts, setbacks and failures; learning must be an integral part of the agenda. Navigating an optimal path for development in both the short term and the longer term is a major challenge. Integrating SDG 15 into all the processes guided by the other SDGs will be essential to support life on land to 2030 and beyond.

* Lead author.

1 www.terra-i.org

2 www.globalforestwatch.org/

3 Calculated based on ITTO Market Report December 2011 prices with an unweighted approximation of USD 100 per cubic metre of domestic logs and USD 200 per cubic metre of export logs.

Save book to Kindle

To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure [email protected] is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle .

Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.

Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service .

• SDG 15: Life on Land – The Central Role of Forests in Sustainable Development
• By Jeffrey Sayer , Douglas Sheil , Glenn Galloway , Rebecca A. Riggs , Gavyn Mewett , Kenneth G. MacDicken , Bas Arts , Agni K. Boedhihartono , James Langston , David P. Edwards
• Edited by Pia Katila , Carol J. Pierce Colfer , Wil de Jong , Kyoto University, Japan , Glenn Galloway , University of Florida , Pablo Pacheco , Georg Winkel
• Book: Sustainable Development Goals: Their Impacts on Forests and People
• Online publication: 02 December 2019

Save book to Dropbox

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox .

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive .

Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Forest — Roles of Forests

Roles of Forests

• Categories: Forest Natural Environment

About this sample

Words: 1772 |

Published: Dec 5, 2018

Words: 1772 | Pages: 4 | 9 min read

Table of contents

American broadleaf forests, tree dominance, works cited.

• Cardinale, B. J. (2012). Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Encyclopedia of sustainability science and technology, 973-987.
• Colwell, R. K. (n.d.). Phylogenetic and functional biodiversity metrics for ecological communities. AIBS Bulletin, 51(3), 221-231.
• Gough, C. M., Hardiman, B. S., Nave, L. E., Bohrer, G., Maurer, K. D., Vogel, C. S., ... & Curtis, P. S. (2016). Sustained carbon uptake and storage following moderate disturbance in a Great Lakes forest. Ecological Applications, 26(6), 1842-1855.
• Hui, D. (2016). Carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems. Encyclopedia of Soil Science, Third Edition, 1-3.
• National Park Service. (n.d.). Greenbelt Park. https://www.nps.gov/gree/index.htm
• The University of British Columbia. (2017). Introduction to Forestry.
• U.S. Forest Service. (n.d.). History of the U.S. Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/sites/default/files/fs-media/fs-public-affairs-portal/fs_media/fs_media/history_fs.pdf
• U.S. Forest Service. (n.d.). Tree Species of North America. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/tree_species.shtml
• Viña, A. (2010). Forest ecosystem services in the urbanizing east-central United States. Ecological Economics, 69(12), 2244-2256.
• Waid, J. S. (2012). The world's forests: fragmentation, utilization, and protection. Nova Publishers.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

• Expert in: Environment

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 469 words

1 pages / 696 words

2 pages / 1259 words

3 pages / 1515 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Forest

Trees are an indispensable part of our planet's ecosystem, serving as the backbone of natural environments and human societies alike. Their roles extend beyond mere aesthetics and shade, encompassing numerous ecological, social, [...]

Also known as Sasquatch, has captivated the human imagination for generations. Enveloped in a shroud of mystery, this elusive creature is often described as a large, hairy, bipedal ape-like being, said to inhabit the dense [...]

Mark J. Plotkin born May 21, 1955 is an ethnobotanist, a plant explorer in neotropics, and an advocate for tropical rainforest conservation. Mark began his education at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, worked at Harvard [...]

The Amazon Rainforest extends over South America from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Andes Mountains in the west. It is home to the myriad species of fauna and flora, containing 50 percent of the world's biodiversity. [...]

In recent years, there have been concerted efforts by leaders and nations around the world to confront the array of environmental issues currently facing the global community. Whether coming through dedicated promises to scale [...]

Forests are the sinks and reservoirs of permanently absorbed carbon as their biomass constitutes 289 giga tons of carbon (FAO, 2010). Tropical forests store 40% of all terrestrial carbon, out of which 58% is stored in the [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Essay on Forest

A forest is an important part of our ecosystem that needs to be protected. Trees take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere through photosynthesis and release oxygen into the air. The density of trees in a forest is an indicator of the health of an ecosystem. It can also serve as a source of food, shelter and energy for all living things. BYJU’S forest essay teaches kids its importance to our planet and the significance of preserving them.

The forest is a source of life for the plants and animals that live in it. Animals, insects, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and many other creatures find homes in the forest.

The forest is a big part of the ecosystem in this world. They can be found all over the world, and they help create habitats for wildlife and protect water sources from pollution.

Table of Contents

Importance of forests, significance of conserving forests, frequently asked questions.

Forest essay in English helps children understand the significance of conserving the precious forests that help balance the ecosystem. The forest is an integral part of the ecosystem by providing oxygen and cleaning our air.

Forests are necessary for a healthy planet. They are vital to our society because they provide many essential resources. Besides, people rely on forests for paper, wood, and other products. Forested land also provides essential habitat for animals and plants and many species of microorganisms.

Moreover, forests have an enormous impact on the environment. They filter air and water and regulate the weather and climate changes.

Some people might not realise the significance of conserving forests. Besides providing habitat for living organisms, they also help prevent flooding when they absorb excess water from rainstorms and prevent erosion from moving soil across the land. With a decrease in forested areas, the existence of flora and fauna is threatened, as they depend on each other for food and shelter. If a much more significant portion of the world’s forests is destroyed, it could have irreversible consequences for our planet.

Conserving forests is beneficial to the world; it provides cleaner air and keeps the climate moderate. The trees are also important for biodiversity and to combat climate change.

Once the little ones have learned the importance of the forests by referring to BYJU’S describing a forest essay, you can ask them to write an essay on forest, explaining the significance of conserving the forests.

Why should the forests be preserved?

Forests must be preserved because they work to regulate the climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions and keep the planet safe. Forests are the lungs of our planet, and we must preserve them. Scientists believe that if we were to lose the forests, we would experience a five-degree rise in temperature.

What do children learn from BYJU’S essay on forest?

Children learn the importance and significance of the conservation of forests by referring to BYJU’S essay on forest.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

share this!

July 17, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

peer-reviewed publication

trusted source

Forests endure as carbon sink despite regional pressures, new research reveals

by USDA Forest Service

Despite facing regional threats like deforestation and wildfires, the world's forests continue to be a powerful weapon in the fight against climate change. A new study reveals these vital ecosystems have consistently absorbed carbon dioxide for the past three decades, even as disruptions chip away at their capacity.

The study, based on long-term ground measurements combined with remote sensing data, found that forests take up an average of 3.5 ± 0.4 billion metric tons of carbon per year, which is nearly half of the carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels between 1990 and 2019.

The study titled "The enduring world forest carbon sink", published in the 18 July 2024 issue of the journal Nature , highlights the critical role of forests in mitigating climate change . The study further shows that deforestation and disturbances like wildfires are threatening this vital carbon sink.

The research is co-led by USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station Senior Research Scientist Yude Pan and Senior Scientist Richard Birdsey from Woodwell Climate Research Center, and includes 15 additional co-authors from 11 countries.

Key findings:

• Boreal forests in the Northern Hemisphere, spanning regions like Alaska, Canada, and Russia, have experienced a significant decline in their carbon sink capacity, dropping by 36%. This decrease is attributed to factors including increased disturbances from wildfires, insect outbreaks, and soil warming.
• Tropical forests have also seen a decline, with deforestation causing a 31% decrease in their ability to absorb carbon. However, regrowth in previously abandoned agricultural lands and logged areas has partially offset these losses, keeping the net carbon flux in the tropics close to neutral.
• Temperate forests, on the other hand, have shown a 30% increase in their carbon sink capacity. This rise is largely due to extensive reforestation efforts, particularly in China.

"Our research team analyzed data from millions of forest plots around the globe," Dr. Pan explained. "What sets this study apart is its foundation in extensive ground measurements—essentially, a tree-by-tree assessment of size, species, and biomass.

"While the study also incorporates remote sensing data , a common tool in national forest inventories and land surveys, our unique strength lies in the detailed on-the-ground data collection."

"The persistence of the global forest carbon sink was a surprise given global increases in wildfire, drought, logging, and other stressors," according to Dr. Birdsey. "But it turns out that increasing emissions in some regions were balanced by increasing accumulation in other regions, mainly re-growing tropical forests and reforestation of temperate forests. These findings support the potential for improving protection and management of forests as effective natural climate solutions."

The study describes how certain land management policies and practices can help preserve this global carbon sink. Findings support a focus on curtailing deforestation across all forest biomes, for example, promoting forest restoration on lands that may be unsuitable for agriculture, and improving timber harvesting practices to minimize emissions from logging and related activities.

The research also highlights the limitations in data collection, particularly in tropical regions . The study calls for increased research and establishment of more ground sampling plots in these areas to reduce uncertainties in carbon estimates and improve understanding of the global carbon budget.

Forests play a critical role in combating climate change. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems is essential to mitigate climate impacts and achieve greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Journal information: Nature

Provided by USDA Forest Service

Explore further

Feedback to editors

Taco-shaped arthropod fossils give new insights into the history of the first mandibulates

2 hours ago

When searching for light and a mate in the deep, dark sea, male dragonfish grow larger eyes, scientists discover

Butterflies accumulate enough static electricity to attract pollen without contact, research finds

The unintended consequences of success against malaria

3 hours ago

A new way to make element 116 opens the door to heavier atoms

4 hours ago

Combining trapped atoms and photonics for new quantum devices

Stress granules found to play an unsuspected role in blood vessel formation

Uncovering the link between meltwater and groundwater in mountain regions

5 hours ago

New work sheds light on nonlinear encoding in diffractive optical processors based on linear materials

Digital food ordering drives increased indulgence and spending, study reveals

Relevant physicsforums posts, hydrothermal explosion versus phreatic eruption, scientists have discovered “dark oxygen” being produced in the deep ocean, apparently by lumps of metal on the seafloor.

13 hours ago

Should We Be Planting More Trees?

Jul 22, 2024

The Secrets of Prof. Verschure's Rosetta Stones

Jul 18, 2024

More Consequences of Warming Oceans

Sea stacks - scotland, ireland and elsewhere.

Jul 17, 2024

More from Earth Sciences

Related Stories

Boreal and temperate forests now main global carbon sinks, satellite image analysis finds

Oct 2, 2023

A green revolution: How forests are changing and what it means for the planet

Mar 15, 2024

Future hurricanes could compromise New England forests' ability to store and sequester carbon

Apr 24, 2024

Forests recovering from logging act as a source of carbon

Jan 9, 2023

Unique field study shows how climate change affects fire-impacted forests

Apr 17, 2024

World's biggest terrestrial carbon sinks are found in young forests

Feb 18, 2019

Recommended for you

New automated system provides a way to detect elusive volcanic vibrations

6 hours ago

Yellowknife study warns of unprecedented arsenic release from wildfires

7 hours ago

Scientists say sun's influence penetrates into deep Earth

10 hours ago

Electrothermal mineralization process offers more environmentally friendly, cost-effective method for soil remediation

Scientists create AI model that rivals top methods for weather and climate forecasts

12 hours ago

Let us know if there is a problem with our content

Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form . For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines ).

Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request

Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.

Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages.

E-mail the story

Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Phys.org in any form.

Newsletter sign up

Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties.

More information Privacy policy

Donate and enjoy an ad-free experience

We keep our content available to everyone. Consider supporting Science X's mission by getting a premium account.

E-mail newsletter

Essays and Short Answer Prompts

The Penn application process includes a personal essay —which is sent to most schools you apply to—as well as a few short answer prompts . We read your words carefully, as they are yet another window into how you think, what you value, and how you see the world. Through your writing, we get a glimpse of what you might bring to our community—including your voice and creativity. 

Remember, you are the expert on your story. This is an opportunity for you to reflect and understand who you are now, and who you want to be in the future. You have the agency to choose the information you want to share. This is your story: your experiences, your ideas, your perspective.   

A Few Writing Tips

• Review the prompts thoroughly.  Be sure you’re answering the question or prompt being asked. Topics are chosen because the Admissions Committee wants to know specific things about you. If you don’t address them directly, we are left to make decisions regarding your application with incomplete information. 
• Consider your response carefully.  We understand that you may be writing responses for different schools and you may want to reuse material, but be sure to read through your response to make sure it is relevant to the prompt. 
• Double-check your writing.  Give yourself time to revisit your response. Try to avoid rushing your writing process so you have time to revise your work. Ultimately, it is up to you to polish and proofread your writing before you submit. 
• Do your research. Are there classes you’re eager to take? Research opportunities you’d love to pursue? A group or club you want to be a part of? This kind of specificity shows us you’re serious about Penn and have thought about how you’d spend your time here. 

2023-24 Short Answer and Essay Prompts

When answering these prompts, be precise when explaining both why you are applying to Penn and why you have chosen to apply to that specific undergraduate school. Some of our specialized programs will have additional essays to complete, but the  Penn short answer prompts should address your single-degree or single-school choice.  

• Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words, not required for transfer applicants) 
• How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words) 
• The school-specific prompt is unique to the school to which you are applying. (For example, all applicants applying to the College of Arts and Sciences will respond to the prompt under the “College of Arts and Sciences” section). Considering the undergraduate school you have selected for your single-degree option, please respond to your school-specific prompt below.  

Transfer Essay (required for all transfer applicants): Please explain your reasons for transferring from your current institution and what you hope to gain by transferring to another institution. (4150 characters) 

Undergraduate School-Specific Short Answer Prompts

For students applying to coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer this question about your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay.  

Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science and promoting equity. What do you think this means for the future of nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare? (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about  Penn Nursing’s mission and how we promote equity in healthcare . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of our values and how they align with your own goals and aspirations. 

The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about the  academic offerings within the College of Arts and Sciences .  This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of how the study of the liberal arts aligns with your own goals and aspirations. 

Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues.  Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it.  (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about  the foundations of a Wharton education . This information will help you better understand what you could learn by studying at Wharton and what you could do afterward. 

Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology, by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, exploration in the liberal arts, and depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at Penn. (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about  Penn Engineering and its mission to prepare students for global leadership in technology . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of academic pathways within Penn Engineering and how they align with your goals and interests. 

Coordinated Dual Degree and Specialized Program Essay Prompts

For students applying to coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer the program-specific essay below. 

** Numbers marked with double asterisks indicate a character count that only applies to transfer students applying through Common App.  

Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words / 3575 characters**) 

We encourage you to learn more about the DMD: Digital Media Design Program . 

The Huntsman Program supports the development of globally minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and internationally. What draws you to a dual-degree program in business and international studies, and how would you use what you learn to contribute to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect? (400-650 words) 

The LSM program aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the life sciences and their management with an eye to identifying, advancing, and implementing innovations. What issues would you want to address using the understanding gained from such a program? Note that this essay should be distinct from your single degree essay. (400-650 words) 

• Explain how you will use the M&T program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words) 
• Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words) 

Describe your interests in modern networked information systems and technologies, such as the internet, and their impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the creation of beneficial content for society. Feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology. (400-650 words / 3575 characters**) 

Discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. How might Penn's coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals? (400-650 words) 

How do you envision your participation in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) furthering your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any past experiences (ex. academic, research, or extracurricular) that have led to your interest in the program. Additionally, please indicate why you are interested in pursuing dual degrees in science and engineering and which VIPER majors are most interesting to you at this time. (400-650 words) 

The Vital Spark: ATP’s Role in Life’s Energy Dance

This essay about ATP explores its critical role as the energy currency of the cell. It compares ATP to a rechargeable battery that powers various cellular processes, from muscle contraction to nerve impulses. By breaking down high-energy phosphate bonds, ATP releases the energy needed for life’s activities. The essay highlights ATP’s dual role in energy supply and metabolic regulation, likening it to a master conductor orchestrating cellular reactions. It also underscores ATP’s efficiency, sustainability, and evolutionary significance. In essence, ATP is depicted as the vital spark that fuels the continuous dance of energy within living organisms.

How it works

Imagine a bustling city at dawn, the air vibrating with anticipation as the first light pierces through the skyline. The city comes alive, every street and alley animated with the hum of activity. Now, shrink this city down to the microscopic level and envision each cell in our body as a similar metropolis. At the heart of this cellular city is ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, the molecule that powers the continuous hustle and bustle of life.

ATP is often referred to as the “energy currency” of the cell, but this description, though apt, barely scratches the surface of its significance.

Picture ATP as a rechargeable battery, the kind that fuels our ever-demanding modern gadgets. In every moment of our lives, these tiny batteries are being spent and recharged in a ceaseless cycle that keeps us alive and functioning.

The magic of ATP lies in its ability to store and transfer energy. When cells need energy to perform tasks such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, or chemical synthesis, they tap into the energy stored in the high-energy phosphate bonds of ATP. This process is akin to drawing cash from an ATM to pay for goods and services, ensuring that every cellular process has the necessary funds to proceed.

Consider the marathon runner, every muscle fiber and nerve firing in perfect synchrony, propelling them forward. Each step, each surge of effort is powered by the breakdown of ATP, releasing energy that fuels their movement. Without ATP, even the simplest actions—blinking, breathing, thinking—would be impossible. It’s the silent driver behind the scenes, ensuring that every cog in the biological machine turns smoothly.

Yet, ATP’s role is not limited to mere energy supply. It’s also a pivotal player in metabolic regulation. Enzymes, the catalysts of life’s biochemical reactions, are often activated or deactivated by ATP. This regulation is crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of metabolic pathways that sustain life. Imagine ATP as a master conductor, orchestrating the symphony of reactions that keep our cells in harmony.

The story of ATP is also a tale of efficiency. Unlike fossil fuels that burn out and pollute, ATP is a model of sustainability. It is continuously recycled through cellular processes such as cellular respiration and photosynthesis. In the mitochondria, often dubbed the powerhouses of the cell, ATP is generated through oxidative phosphorylation, a process that extracts energy from nutrients. This efficiency is nothing short of a marvel, ensuring that life can sustain itself with minimal waste.

To truly appreciate ATP, one must delve into its chemistry. It is composed of adenine, ribose (a sugar), and three phosphate groups. The bonds between these phosphate groups are where the magic happens. When ATP is hydrolyzed, it loses one of its phosphate groups, becoming ADP (adenosine diphosphate) or AMP (adenosine monophosphate), and releasing energy in the process. This released energy is harnessed by the cell to perform work. It’s a cycle of energy flow that is as elegant as it is vital.

Let’s not forget the evolutionary perspective. ATP’s role as an energy carrier is ancient, dating back to the earliest forms of life. This universality across all domains of life—bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes—speaks to its fundamental importance. It’s a shared heritage, a molecular testament to the common thread that binds all living organisms.

In our daily lives, we rarely pause to consider the molecular marvels that keep us ticking. Yet, the importance of ATP is a reminder of the intricate and wondrous nature of life. It’s a molecule that embodies the principle of energy transformation, a principle that is at the heart of all biological processes. So, next time you take a breath, move a muscle, or simply exist, remember the tiny powerhouses working tirelessly within you, fueled by the remarkable molecule that is ATP.

In the grand tapestry of life, ATP is the vital spark, the unseen force driving the ceaseless dance of energy and life. It’s a testament to the elegance of biological systems, where even the smallest molecules play roles of monumental importance.

Cite this page

The Vital Spark: ATP’s Role in Life’s Energy Dance. (2024, Jul 21). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-vital-spark-atps-role-in-lifes-energy-dance/

"The Vital Spark: ATP’s Role in Life’s Energy Dance." PapersOwl.com , 21 Jul 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-vital-spark-atps-role-in-lifes-energy-dance/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Vital Spark: ATP’s Role in Life’s Energy Dance . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-vital-spark-atps-role-in-lifes-energy-dance/ [Accessed: 24 Jul. 2024]

"The Vital Spark: ATP’s Role in Life’s Energy Dance." PapersOwl.com, Jul 21, 2024. Accessed July 24, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-vital-spark-atps-role-in-lifes-energy-dance/

"The Vital Spark: ATP’s Role in Life’s Energy Dance," PapersOwl.com , 21-Jul-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-vital-spark-atps-role-in-lifes-energy-dance/. [Accessed: 24-Jul-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Vital Spark: ATP’s Role in Life’s Energy Dance . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-vital-spark-atps-role-in-lifes-energy-dance/ [Accessed: 24-Jul-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Essay on Forest Resources

Students are often asked to write an essay on Forest Resources in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Forest Resources

Introduction.

Forests are a treasure trove of resources. They provide us with wood, medicinal plants, fruits, and much more. They are also home to various species of animals and birds.

Types of Forest Resources

Forest resources can be broadly divided into two types: tangible and intangible. Tangible resources include timber, fruits, and medicinal plants, while intangible resources include clean air and climate regulation.

Importance of Forest Resources

Forest resources are vital for our survival. They provide us with oxygen, help in maintaining the climate, and preserve biodiversity.

Conservation of Forest Resources

Conservation of forest resources is crucial to sustain life on Earth. It involves using resources wisely and protecting forests from deforestation and forest fires.

250 Words Essay on Forest Resources

Ecological importance.

Forests play a crucial role in balancing the Earth’s ecosystem. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide, thereby mitigating the effects of climate change. Moreover, they regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion, and maintain soil fertility.

Economic Significance

Economically, forests are a source of timber, non-timber products, and various medicinal plants. They also contribute to the livelihood of many indigenous communities and play a pivotal role in the tourism industry.

Challenges and Conservation

Despite their importance, forests face numerous threats, primarily from deforestation and climate change. Unregulated logging, conversion to agriculture, and urbanization are leading causes of forest loss. To conserve these precious ecosystems, sustainable forest management practices are essential. These include reforestation, afforestation, and the promotion of sustainable logging.

In conclusion, forests are invaluable resources that require concerted conservation efforts. They not only offer economic benefits but also play a critical role in maintaining the Earth’s ecological balance. Through sustainable practices, we can ensure the preservation of these resources for future generations.

500 Words Essay on Forest Resources

Introduction to forest resources.

Forests, the green lungs of our planet, are rich reservoirs of biodiversity and natural resources. They are the cradle of life, offering a myriad of services, from providing habitat to millions of species to maintaining the balance of our global climate.

The Wealth of Forest Resources

The intangible resources of forests are their ecosystem services, which are often overlooked but are essential for human survival. These include carbon sequestration, water purification, soil conservation, and climate regulation, among others. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and helping mitigate climate change. They also regulate water cycles, purify air, and prevent soil erosion, contributing to overall ecosystem stability.

The Socio-Economic Importance of Forest Resources

Forests play a pivotal role in the socio-economic fabric of many societies. They provide livelihoods to millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries where communities rely heavily on forest resources for their sustenance and income. Additionally, forests have cultural and spiritual significance in many societies, underlining their importance beyond just the economic perspective.

Threats to Forest Resources

Illegal logging and overexploitation of NTFPs also pose severe threats to forest resources. These activities not only deplete the resources but also disrupt the balance of forest ecosystems, leading to long-term ecological consequences.

Conservation and Sustainable Management of Forest Resources

Given the criticality of forest resources, their conservation and sustainable management are of paramount importance. This involves implementing sustainable forestry practices, promoting responsible consumption and production of forest products, and strengthening legal frameworks to combat illegal activities.

In conclusion, forest resources are the lifeblood of our planet, providing invaluable services and products. However, they are under increasing threat from human activities, making their conservation and sustainable management more critical than ever. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the value of these resources and take collective action to protect and sustainably manage them, for the benefit of current and future generations.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Information

• Author Services

Initiatives

You are accessing a machine-readable page. In order to be human-readable, please install an RSS reader.

All articles published by MDPI are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special permission is required to reuse all or part of the article published by MDPI, including figures and tables. For articles published under an open access Creative Common CC BY license, any part of the article may be reused without permission provided that the original article is clearly cited. For more information, please refer to https://www.mdpi.com/openaccess .

Feature papers represent the most advanced research with significant potential for high impact in the field. A Feature Paper should be a substantial original Article that involves several techniques or approaches, provides an outlook for future research directions and describes possible research applications.

Feature papers are submitted upon individual invitation or recommendation by the scientific editors and must receive positive feedback from the reviewers.

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

Original Submission Date Received: .

• Active Journals
• Find a Journal
• Proceedings Series
• For Authors
• For Reviewers
• For Editors
• For Librarians
• For Publishers
• For Societies
• For Conference Organizers
• Open Access Policy
• Institutional Open Access Program
• Special Issues Guidelines
• Editorial Process
• Research and Publication Ethics
• Article Processing Charges
• Testimonials
• Preprints.org
• SciProfiles
• Encyclopedia

Article Menu

• Subscribe SciFeed
• Recommended Articles
• Google Scholar
• on Google Scholar
• Table of Contents

Find support for a specific problem in the support section of our website.

Please let us know what you think of our products and services.

Visit our dedicated information section to learn more about MDPI.

JSmol Viewer

Exploring purpose-driven leadership: theoretical foundations, mechanisms, and impacts in organizational context.

1. Introduction

2. theoretical perspectives on leadership: an evolutionary analysis, 3. purpose-driven leadership: a new perspective on leadership, 4. methodology.

• Conceptualization of Purpose-Driven Leadership.
• Importance of Purpose-Driven Leadership in contemporary research and practice.
• Theoretical foundations of Purpose-Driven Leadership.
• Mechanisms and impacts of Purpose-Driven Leadership.
• The role of purpose in navigating times of VUCA.
• Measurement approaches for purpose in leadership.

5. Findings

5.1. purpose-driven leadership research landscape, 5.2. purpose, organizational purpose, and purpose-driven leadership.

• Consistency: Purpose does not manifest as a fleeting intention but is grounded in its enduring nature ( Gavarkovs et al. 2023 ; Jasinenko and Steuber 2023 ; Knippenberg 2020 ). Demonstrating resilience against ephemeral shifts in external conditions or situational variances, purpose consistently maintains its vigor and steadfastness ( Rindova and Martins 2023 ; Trachik et al. 2020 ). It acts as a constant lodestar amid the dynamic terrains of both personal and professional spheres ( Bhattacharya et al. 2023 ; Qin et al. 2022 ; Rindova and Martins 2023 ).
• Generality: In contradistinction to a limited, task-centric objective, purpose is distinguished by its comprehensive scope ( By 2021 ; Gavarkovs et al. 2023 ; Jasinenko and Steuber 2023 ). Instead of being confined to proximate tasks or circumscribed aims, purpose spans a more expansive purview ( By 2021 ; Gavarkovs et al. 2023 ; Jasinenko and Steuber 2023 ). This ubiquity of purpose guarantees its applicability across multifarious contexts ( By 2021 ; Gavarkovs et al. 2023 ; Jasinenko and Steuber 2023 ).
• Two dimensions: - Internal Dimension: The internal dimension of purpose refers to the individuals’ intrinsic motivations and impulses, which are connected to their sense of purpose ( Crane 2022 ; Knippenberg 2020 ). It serves as a source of meaning, supporting the rationale of every decision, direction, or objective delineated ( Handa 2023 ; Jasinenko and Steuber 2023 ). This introspective aspect emphasizes the congruence and alignment between an individual and their purpose ( Gavarkovs et al. 2023 ; Jasinenko and Steuber 2023 ). - External Dimension: Beyond its internal impact, the influence of purpose extends to the external environment, through the efforts generated by the individual within their context ( By 2021 ; Gavarkovs et al. 2023 ; Handa 2023 ; Jasinenko and Steuber 2023 ). This is underpinned by the individual’s commitment to promoting positive change in a broader environment ( Ocasio et al. 2023 ; Qin et al. 2022 ).
• Daily embodiment and expression: Purpose manifests as a palpable instantiation in quotidian activities since it is part of every decision and action made ( By 2021 ; Jasinenko and Steuber 2023 ). Such perennial articulation provides consistency and influences daily activities ( Bronk et al. 2023 ; Hurth and Stewart 2022 ; Ocasio et al. 2023 ).

5.2.1. Attributes of Purpose-Driven Leadership

5.2.2. purpose-driven leadership construct conceptualization, 5.3. theoretical foundations of purpose-driven leadership, 5.4. mechanisms and impacts of purpose-driven leadership, 5.4.1. potential antecedents, 5.4.2. potential outcomes, 5.4.3. potential mediators, 5.4.4. potential moderatos, 5.5. purpose-driven leadership as a guiding light, 5.6. measurement approaches for purpose-driven leadership, 6. discussion, 7. conclusions, supplementary materials, author contributions, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

• Abbas, Muhammad, and Raza Ali. 2023. Transformational versus transactional leadership styles and project success: A meta-analytic review. European Management Journal 41: 125–42. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Adobor, Henry, William Phanuel Kofi Darbi, and Obi Berko O. Damoah. 2021. Strategy in the era of “swans”: The role of strategic leadership under uncertainty and unpredictability. Journal of Strategy and Management . [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Aguileta-Clemente, Carmen López, Julinda Molares-Cardoso, and V. Badenes Plá. 2023. The purpose as a dynamizer of corporate culture and value generator: Analysis of the websites of IBEX-35 Spanish companies Carmen. Revista Internacional de Relaciones Públicas 13: 41–54. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Ahinful, Gabriel Sam, Jeff Danquah Boakye, and Nana Dwomoh Osei Bempah. 2023. Determinants of SMEs’ financial performance: Evidence from an emerging economy. Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship 35: 362–86. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Almandoz, Juan. 2023. Inside-out and outside-in perspectives on corporate purpose. Strategy Science 8: 139–48. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Amah, Okechukwu Ethelbert, and Kabiru Oyetuunde. 2020. The effect of servant leadership on employee turnover in SMEs in Nigeria: The role of career growth potential and employee voice. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development 27: 885–904. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Anshori, Lutfi Isa, Purnamie Titisari, Sri Wahyu Lelly Hana Setyanti, Raden Andi Sularso Handriyono, and Arnis Budi Susanto. 2023. The Influence of Servant Leadership on Motivation, Work Engagement, Job Satisfaction and Teacher Performance of Vocational Hight School Teachers in Jember City. Quality—Access to Success 24: 261–73. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Antonakis, John, George Banks, Nicolas Bastardoz, Michael Cole, David Day, Alice Eagly, Olga Epitropaki, Roseanne Foti, William Gardner, Alex Haslam, and et al. 2019. The Leadership Quarterly: State of the journal. The Leadership Quarterly 30: 1–9. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Azungah, Theophilus. 2018. Qualitative research: Deductive and inductive approaches to data analysis. Qualitative Research Journal 18: 383–400. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Bai, Mayangzong, Xinyi Zheng, Xu Huang, Tiantian Jing, Chenhao Yu, Sisi Li, and Zhiruo Zhang. 2023. How serving helps leading: Mediators between servant leadership and affective commitment. Frontiers in Psychology 14: 1170490. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Baquero, Asier. 2023. Authentic leadership, employee work engagement, trust in the leader, and workplace well-being: A moderated mediation model. Psychology Research and Behavior Management 16: 1403–24. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Barnard, Caa Iaa. 1938. The Functions of the Executive . Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. [ Google Scholar ]
• Bass, Bernard. 1985. Leadership and Performance: Beyond Expectations . New York: Free Press. [ Google Scholar ]
• Berraies, Sarra. 2023. Mediating effects of employees’ eudaimonic and hedonic well-being between distributed leadership and ambidextrous innovation: Does employees’ age matter? European Journal of Innovation Management 26: 1271–92. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Bhattacharya, C. B., Sankar Sen, Laura Marie Edinger-Schons, and Michael Neureiter. 2023. Corporate Purpose and Employee Sustainability Behaviors. Journal of Business Ethics 183: 963–81. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Brendel, William, Sang Won Byun, and Mi Hee Park. 2023. Ways of Being: Assessing Presence and Purpose at Work. Journal of Management Spirituality & Religion 20: 53–86. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Bronk, Kendall Cotton, Caleb Mitchell, Elyse Postlewaite, Anne Colby, William Damon, and Zach Swanson. 2023. Family purpose: An empirical investigation of collective purpose. The Journal of Positive Psychology 19: 662–74. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Brower, Holly H., F. David Schoorman, and Hwee Hoon Tan. 2000. A model of relational leadership. The Leadership Quarterly 11: 227–50. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Brown, Ryan P., Lebena Varghese, Sarah Sullivan, and Sandy Parsons. 2021. The Impact of Professional Coaching on Emerging Leaders. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring 19: 24–37. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Bunderson, Stuart, and Anjan V. Thakor. 2022. Higher purpose, banking and stability. Journal of Banking & Finance 140: 106138. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Burns, James MacGregor. 1978. Leadership . Manhattan: Harper & Row. [ Google Scholar ]
• By, Rune Todnem. 2021. Leadership: In pursuit of purpose. Journal of Change Management 21: 30–44. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Caldwell, Cam, and Linda A. Hayes. 2016. Self-efficacy and self-awareness: Moral insights to increased leader effectiveness. Journal of Management Development 35: 1163–73. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Canavesi, Alice, and Eliana Minelli. 2022. Servant leadership and employee engagement: A qualitative study. Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal 34: 413–35. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Capon, Noel, John Farley, and Scott Hoenig. 1990. Determinants of Financial Performance: A Meta-Analysis. Management Science 36: 1143–59. Available online: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2632657 (accessed on 4 June 2024).
• Castillo, Elizabeth A., and Mai P. Trinh. 2019. Catalyzing capacity: Absorptive, adaptive, and generative leadership. Journal of Organizational Change Management 32: 356–76. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Cavazotte, Flavia, Sylvia Freitas Mello, and Lucia B. Oliveira. 2020. Expatriate’s engagement and burnout: The role of purpose-oriented leadership and cultural intelligence. Journal of Global Mobility: The Home of Expatriate Management Research 9: 90–106. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Cho, Katherine S. 2023. Purpose and process: Power, equity, and agenda setting. New Directions for Student Leadership 2023: 33–40. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Christensen-Salem, Amanda, Marco Tulio F. Zanini, Fred O. Walumbwa, Ronaldo Parente, Daniel M. Peat, and Jaclyn Perrmann-graham. 2021. Communal solidarity in extreme environments: The role of servant leadership and social resources in building serving culture and service performance. Journal of Business Research 135: 829–39. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Clarke, Thomas. 2020. The contest on corporate purpose: Why Lynn Stout was right and Milton Friedman was wrong. Accounting, Economics and Law: A Convivium 10: 20200145. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Cline, Michaela, Paige Roberts, Timothy Werlau, Paloma Hauser, and Cheryl Smith-Miller. 2022. Three good things: Promote work–life balance, reduce burnout, enhance reflection among newly licensed RNs. Nursing Forum 57: 1390–98. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Consoli, Sal. 2021. Uncovering the hidden face of narrative analysis: A reflexive perspective through MAXQDA. System 102: 102611. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Cordoba, Emmeline Lagunes, Suzanne Shale, Rachel Clare Evans, and Derek Tracy. 2022. Time to get serious about distributed leadership: Lessons to learn for promoting leadership development for non-consultant career grade doctors in the UK. BMJ Leader 6: 45–49. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Crabtree, Benjamin F., Jenna Howard, William L. Miller, DeANN Cromp, Clarissa Hsu, Katie Coleman, Brian Austin, Margaret Flinter, Leah Tuzzio, and Edward H. Wagner. 2020. Leading Innovative Practice: Leadership Attributes in LEAP Practices. The Milbank Quarterly 98: 399–445. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Crane, Bret. 2022. Eudaimonia in Crisis: How Ethical Purpose Finding Transforms Crisis. Humanistic Management Journal 7: 391–416. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Cristofaro, Matheo, Christopher Neck, Pier Luigi Giardino, and Christopher B. Neck. 2023. Self and shared leadership in decision quality: A tale of two sides. Management Decision 61: 2541–63. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Das, Mohit Ranjan, Pramod Pathak, and Mohit Ranjan Das. 2018. Spirituality at Workplace: A Report from Ground Zero. Purushartha—A Journal of Management Ethics and Spirituality 11: 11–23. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Dhamija, Pavitra, Andrea Chiarini, and Shara Shapla. 2023. Technology and leadership styles: A review of trends between 2003 and 2021. The TQM Journal 35: 210–33. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Dimitrov, Kiril. 2022. Organizational Leadership through the Massive Transformative Purpose. Economic Alternatives 28: 318–44. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Dorasamy, Nirmala. 2010. Enhancing an ethical culture through purpose-directed leadership for improved public service delivery: A case for South Africa. African Journal of Business Management 4: 56–63. Available online: http://search.proquest.com/docview/1663906542?accountid=40690%5Cnhttp://link.periodicos.capes.gov.br/sfxlcl41?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:journal&genre=article&sid=ProQ:ProQ%3Apqrl&atitle=Enhancing+an+ethical+culture+through+purpo (accessed on 4 June 2024).
• Edgar, Stacey. 2023. Artisan social enterprises in Zambia: Women leveraging purpose to scale impact. Social Enterprise Journal 20: 140–58. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Eisenschmidt, Eve, Elina Kuusisto, Katrin Poom-Valickis, and Kirsi Tirri. 2019. Virtues that create purpose for ethical leadership: Exemplary principals from Estonia and Finland. Journal of Beliefs & Values 40: 433–46. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Elo, Satu, and Helvi Kyngäs. 2008. The qualitative content analysis process. Journal of Advanced Nursing 62: 107–15. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Enslin, Carla, Michelle Wolfswinkel, and Marlize Terblanche-Smit. 2023. Responsible leadership through purpose-driven brand building: Guidelines for leaders in Africa. South African Journal of Business Management 53: 1–14. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Fiedler, Fred E. 1964. A Contingency Model of Leadership Effectiveness. In Advances in Experimental Social Psychology 1: 149–90. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Fitzsimmons, Lexis Bajalia, Yufan Sunny Qin, and Eve R. Heffron. 2022. Purpose vs. mission vs. vision: Persuasive appeals and components in corporate statements. Journal of Communication Management 26: 207–19. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Fleischer, Holger. 2021. Corporate Purpose: A Management Concept and its Implications for Company Law. SSRN Electronic Journal 18: 161–89. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Fu, Lihua, Zhiying Liu, and Suqin Liao. 2018. Is distributed leadership a driving factor of innovation ambidexterity? An empirical study with mediating and moderating effects. Leadership & Organization Development Journal 39: 388–405. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Fu, Qinghua, Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman, Hui Jiang, Jaward Abbas, and Ubaldo Comite. 2022. Sustainable Supply Chain and Business Performance: The Impact of Strategy, Network Design, Information Systems, and Organizational Structure. Sustainability 14: 1080. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Gartenberg, Claudine, and Todd Zenger. 2023. The Firm as a Subsociety: Purpose, Justice, and the Theory of the Firm. Organization Science 34: 1965–80. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Gavarkovs, Adam G., Rashmi A. Kusurkar, and Ryan Brydges. 2023. The purpose, adaptability, confidence, and engrossment model: A novel approach for supporting professional trainees’ motivation, engagement, and academic achievement. Frontiers in Education 8: 1–15. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Geisler, Cheryl. 2018. Coding for Language Complexity: The Interplay Among Methodological Commitments, Tools, and Workflow in Writing Research. Written Communication 35: 215–49. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Gil, Alfonso J., Gabriela Bittencourt Gonzalez Mosegui, Rosana Zenezi Moreira, and Mauro J. Eguizabal. 2023. The moderating role of employee proactive behaviour in the relationship between servant leadership and job satisfaction. International Journal of Organizational Analysis 32: 422–34. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Graen, George B., and Mary Uhl-Bien. 1995. Relationship-based approach to leadership: Development of leader-member exchange (LMX) theory of leadership over 25 years: Applying a multi-level multi-domain perspective. The Leadership Quarterly 6: 219–47. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Greenleaf, Robert Kiefner. 1977. Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness . Mahwah: Paulist Press. [ Google Scholar ]
• Gwartz, Evan, and Kirsty Spence. 2020. Conscious capitalism and sport: Exploring higher purpose in a professional sport organization. Sport Management Review 23: 750–63. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Haar, Jarrod M., and Candice Harris. 2023. A moderated mediation study of high performance work systems and insomnia on New Zealand employees: Job burnout mediating and work-life balance moderating. The International Journal of Human Resource Management 34: 68–91. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Hallinger, Philip, and Jasna Kovačević. 2022. Mapping the intellectual lineage of educational management, administration and leadership, 1972–2020. Educational Management Administration and Leadership 50: 192–216. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Handa, Manoj Chandra. 2023. The leading wisdom development framework: An integrated roadmap for cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning. Journal of Advanced Academics 34: 32–67. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Hartnell, Chad, Amanda Christensen-Salem, Fred O. Walumbwa, Derek Stotler, Flora Chiang, and Thomas A. Birtch. 2023. Manufacturing motivation in the mundane: Servant leadership’s influence on employees’ intrinsic motivation and performance. Journal of Business Ethics 188: 533–52. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Hersey, Paul, Kenneth H. Blanchard, and Walter E. Natemeyer. 1979. Situational Leadership, Perception, and the Impact of Power. Group & Organization Studies 4: 418–28. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Hickey, Niamh, Aishling Flaherty, and Patricia Mannix McNamara. 2022. Distributed Leadership: A Scoping Review Mapping Current Empirical Research. Societies 12: 15. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Hoang, Giang Hien, Elisabeth Wilson-Evered, Leonie Lockstone-Binney, and Tuan Trong Luu. 2021. Empowering leadership in hospitality and tourism management: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 33: 4182–214. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Hong, Paul C., Joseph Chacko Chennattuserry, Xiyue Deng, and Margaret M. Hopkins. 2021. Purpose-driven leadership and organizational success: A case of higher educational institutions. Leadership & Organization Development Journal 42: 1004–17. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Hurth, Victoria, and Iain S. Stewart. 2022. Re-purposing Universities: The Path to Purpose. Frontiers in Sustainability 2: 762271. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Ingen, Ramon van, Pascale Peters, Melanie De Ruiter, and Henry Robben. 2021. Exploring the meaning of organizational purpose at a new dawn: The development of a conceptual model through expert interviews. Frontiers in Psychology 12: 675543. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Islam, Jamil Ul, Owais Nazir, and Zillur Rahman. 2023. Sustainably engaging employees in food wastage reduction: A conscious capitalism perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production 389: 136091. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Itzkovich, Yariv, Sibylle Heilbrunn, and Ana Aleksic. 2020. Full range indeed? The forgotten dark side of leadership. Journal of Management Development 39: 851–68. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Jack, Kirsten, Monica Bianchi, Rosa Dilae Pereira Costa, Keren Grinberg, Gerardina Harnett, Marie_Louise Luiking, Stefan Nilsson, and Janet Mary Elizabeth Scammell. 2022. Clinical leadership in nursing students: A concept analysis. Nurse Education Today 108: 105173. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Jasinenko, Anna, and Josephina Steuber. 2023. Perceived organizational purpose: Systematic literature review, construct definition, measurement and potential employee outcomes. Journal of Management Studies 60: 1415–47. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Jønsson, Thomas Faurholt, Esther Bahat, and Massimilano Barattucci. 2021. How are empowering leadership, self-efficacy and innovative behavior related to nurses’ agency in distributed leadership in Denmark, Italy and Israel? Journal of Nursing Management 29: 1517–24. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Judge, Timothy A., Joyce E. Bono, Remus Ilies, and Megan W. Gerhardt. 2002. Personality and leadership: A qualitative and quantitative review. Journal of Applied Psychology 87: 765–80. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Kaplan, Sarah. 2023. The promises and perils of corporate purpose. Strategic Science 8: 288–301. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Kempster, Steve, and Brad Jackson. 2021. Leadership for What, Why, for Whom and Where? A Responsibility Perspective. Journal of Change Management 21: 45–65. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Kempster, Steve, Marian Iszatt-White, and Matt Brown. 2019. Authenticity in leadership: Reframing relational transparency through the lens of emotional labour. Leadership 15: 319–38. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Kim, Sunmi, Seok Hee Jeong, and Myoung Hee Seo. 2022. Nurses’ ethical leadership and related outcome variables: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Nursing Management 30: 2308–23. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Knippenberg, Daan Vaaaa. 2020. Meaning-based leadership. Organizational Psychology Review 10: 6–28. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Koh, Howard K., Cathy C. Tso, Cyra Perry Dougherty, Emily E. Lazowy, Chelsea P. Heberlein, and Fawn A. Phelps. 2023. Exploring the spiritual foundations of public health leadership. Frontiers in Public Health 11: 1210160. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Konadu, Kingsley, Abigail Opaku Mensah, Samuel Koomson, Ernest Mensah Abraham, Joshua Amuzu, and Joan-Ark Manu Agyapong. 2023. A model for improving the relationship between integrity and work performance. International Journal of Ethics and Systems . [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Kumpulainen, Milka, and Marko Seppänen. 2022. Combining Web of Science and Scopus datasets in citation-based literature study. Scientometrics 127: 5613–31. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• LaVoi, Samantha, and Eric Haley. 2021. How Pro-Social Purpose Agencies Define Themselves and Their Value: An Emerging Business Model in the Advertising-Agency World. Journal of Current Issues & Research in Advertising 42: 372–90. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Lawson, Crystal, and Dan Weberg. 2023. Leading through times of transformation: Purpose, trust, and co-creation. Nurse Leader 21: 380–84. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Lewis, Clif P., and Maryam Aldossari. 2022. “One of these things is not like the others”: The role of authentic leadership in cross-cultural leadership development. Leadership and Organization Development Journal 43: 1252–70. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Lin, Qin, and Lingfeng Yi. 2023. Survival of the fittest: The multiple paths of entrepreneurial leadership driving adaptive innovation in uncertain environment. European Journal of Innovation Management 26: 1150–67. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Lord, Robert G., Paola Gatti, and Susanna L. M. Chui. 2016. Social-cognitive, relational, and identity-based approaches to leadership. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes 136: 119–34. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Losada-Vazquez, Angel. 2022. Organizational learning at purpose-driven enterprise: Action–research model for leadership improvement. Sustainability 14: 1301. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Lu, Shiwen, and Jiseon Ahn. 2023. Assessment of job meaning based on attributes of food-delivery mobile applications. Current Issues in Tourism 1–20. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Luedi, Markus M. 2022. Leadership in 2022: A perspective. Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology 36: 229–35. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Magasi, Chacha. 2021. The role of transformational leadership on employee performance: A perspective of employee empowerment. European Journal of Business and Management Research 6: 21–28. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Martela, Frank, and Anne B. Pessi. 2018. Significant work is about self-realization and broader purpose: Defining the key dimensions of meaningful work. Frontiers in Psychology 9: 363. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Martinez, Seth-Aaron, and Nahari Leija. 2023. Distinguishing Servant Leadership from Transactional and Transformational Leadership. Advances in Developing Human Resources 25: 141–88. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Methley, Abigail M., Stephen Campbell, Carolyn Chew-Graham, Rosalind McNally, and Sudeh Cheraghi-Sohi. 2014. PICO, PICOS and SPIDER: A comparison study of specificity and sensitivity in three search tools for qualitative systematic reviews. BMC Health Services Research 14: 579. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Meynhardt, Timo, Josephina Steuber, and Maximilian Feser. 2023. The Leipzig Leadership Model: Measuring leadership orientations. Current Psychology 43: 9005–24. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Moher, David, Alessandro Liberati, Jennifer Tetzlaff, and Douglas G. Altman. 2009. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. PLoS Medicine 6: e1000097. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Mouton, Nico. 2019. A literary perspective on the limits of leadership: Tolstoy’s critique of the great man theory. Leadership 15: 81–102. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Mulyani, Sri, Anas A. Salameh, Aan Komariah, Anton Timoshin Nik Alif Amri NikHashim, R. Siti Pupi Fauziah, Mulyaningsih Mulyaningsih, Israr Ahmad, and Sajid Mohy Ul din. 2021. Emotional Regulation as a Remedy for Teacher Burnout in Special Schools: Evaluating School Climate, Teacher’s Work-Life Balance and Children Behavior. Frontiers in Psychology 12: 655850. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Nakamura, Julia S., Ying Chen, Tyler J. VanderWeele, and Eric S. Kim. 2022. What makes life purposeful? Identifying the antecedents of a sense of purpose in life using a lagged exposure-wide approach. SSM Population Health 19: 101235. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Nazir, Owais, Jamid Ul, and Zillur Rahman. 2021. Effect of CSR participation on employee sense of purpose and experienced meaningfulness: A self-determination theory perspective. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management 46: 123–33. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Nguyen, Nguyen Thi Thao, Nguyen Phong Nguyen, and Tu Thanh Hoai. 2021. Ethical leadership, corporate social responsibility, firm reputation, and firm performance: A serial mediation model. Heliyon 7: e06809. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Ocasio, William, Mathew Kraatz, and David Chandler. 2023. Making Sense of Corporate Purpose. Strategy Science 8: 123–38. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Ogunfowora, Babatunde, Meena Andiappan, Madelynn Stackhouse, and Christianne Varty. 2023. CEO ethical leadership as a unique source of substantive and rhetorical ethical signals for attracting job seekers: The moderating role of job seekers’ moral identity. Journal of Organizational Behavior 44: 1380–99. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Olin, Karolina, Charlotte Klinga, Mirjam Ekstedt, and Karin Pukk-Härenstam. 2023. Exploring everyday work as a dynamic non-event and adaptations to manage safety in intraoperative anaesthesia care: An interview study. BMC Health Services Research 23: 1–15. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Page, Matthew J., Joanne E. McKenzie, Patrick M. Bossuyt, Isabelle Boutron, Tammy C. Hoffmann, Cynthia D. Mulrow, Larissa Shamseer, Jennifer M. Tetzlaff, Ellie A. Akl, Sue E. Brennan, and et al. 2021. The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ , 372. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Panojan, Pavalakanthan, Kanchana K. S. Perera, and Rajaratnam Dilakshan. 2022. Work-life balance of professional quantity surveyors engaged in the construction industry. International Journal of Construction Management 22: 751–68. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Pate, Larry B., and Donald C. Heiman. 1987. A Test of the Vroom-Yetton Decision Model in Seven Field Settings. Personnel Review 16: 22–26. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Peeters, Robin, Daan Westra, Arno J. A. van Raak, and Dirk Ruwaard. 2023. So Happy Together: A Review of the Literature on the Determinants of Effectiveness of Purpose-Oriented Networks in Health Care. Medical Care Research and Review 80: 266–82. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Piwowar-Sulej, Katarzyna, and Qaisar Iqbal. 2023. Leadership styles and sustainable performance: A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production 382: 134600. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Ponting, Sandra SunAh. 2020. Organizational identity change: Impacts on hotel leadership and employee wellbeing. The Service Industries Journal 40: 6–26. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Pulido-Martos, Manuel, Leire Gartzia, José María Augusto-Landa, and Esther Lopez-Zafra. 2023. Transformational leadership and emotional intelligence: Allies in the development of organizational affective commitment from a multilevel perspective and time-lagged data. In Review of Managerial Science. Berlin and Heidelberg: Springer . [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Qin, Yufan Sunny, Marica W. DiStaso, Alexis Fitzsimmons, Eve Heffron, and Linjuan Rita Men. 2022. How purpose-driven organizations influenced corporate actions and employee trust during the global COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Strategic Communication 16: 426–43. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Rai, Puneet. 2020. The rising interest in workplace spirituality: Micro, meso and macro perspectives. Purushartha 13: 56–66. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Rashmi, Kumari, and Aakanksha Kataria. 2022. Work–life balance: A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy 42: 1028–65. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Rey, Carlos, and Miquel Bastons. 2018. Three dimensions of effective mission implementation. Long Range Planning 51: 580–85. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Rindova, Violina P., and Luis L. Martins. 2023. Moral imagination, the collective desirable, and strategic purpose. Strategy Science 8: 170–81. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Roberts, Dennis Caaa. 2020. Discovering Purpose: A Life-Long Journey. New Directions for Student Leadership 2020: 123–34. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Rocha, Hector, Michael Pirson, and Roy Suddaby. 2021. Business with Purpose and the Purpose of Business Schools: Re-Imagining Capitalism in a Post Pandemic World: A Conversation with Jay Coen Gilbert, Raymond Miles, Christian Felber, Raj Sisodia, Paul Adler, and Charles Wookey. Journal of Management Inquiry 30: 354–67. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Salhieh, Loay, Ala’a Mehiar, Ismail Abushaikha, Hendrik Reefke, and Loay Bani-Ismail. 2023. The strategic fit between strategic purchasing and purchasing involvement: The moderating role of leadership styles. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management 41: 559–84. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Sarwar, Uzma, Muhammad Aamir, Yu Bichao, and Zhongwen Chen. 2023. Authentic leadership, perceived organizational support, and psychological capital: Implications for job performance in the education sector. Frontiers in Psychology 13: 1084963. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Sarwar, Uzma, Samina Zamir, Kiran Fazal, Yang Hong, and Qi Zhan Yong. 2022. Impact of leadership styles on innovative performance of female leaders in Pakistani Universities. PLoS ONE 17: e0266956. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Schiavenato, Martin, and Frances Chu. 2021. PICO: What it is and what it is not. Nurse Education in Practice 56: 103194. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Selznick, Philips. 1957. Leadership in Administration: A Sociological Interpretation. In American Sociological Review . Berkeley: University of California Press, vol. 23. [ Google Scholar ]
• Shahab, Moh Ali, Agus Sobari, and Udin Udin. 2018. Empowering Leadership and Organizational Citizenship Behavior: The Mediating Roles of Psychological Empowerment and Emotional Intelligence in Medical Service Industry. International Journal of Economics and Business Administration VI: 80–91 . [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Shoukat, Muhammad Haroon, Syed Asim Shah, and Dilnaz Muneeb. 2023. Shared leadership and team performance in health care: How intellectual capital and team learning intervene in this relationship. The Learning Organization 30: 426–45. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Singh, Sanjay Kumar, Manlio Del Giudice, Shlomo Y. Tarba, and Paola De Bernardi. 2022. Top Management Team Shared Leadership, Market-Oriented Culture, Innovation Capability, and Firm Performance. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management 69: 2544–54. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Steenkamp, Hilke, and Ganga S. Dhanesh. 2023. Care-based relationship management during remote work in a crisis: Empathy, purpose, and diversity climate as emergent employee-organization relational maintenance strategies. Public Relations Review 49: 102371. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Tan, Ronny, and Ferdi Antonio. 2022. New insights on employee adaptive performance during the COVID-19 pandemic: Empirical evidence from Indonesia. Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation 18: 175–206. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Tate, Kaitlyn, Tatiana Penconek, Bruna Moreno Dias, Greta G. Cummings, and Andrea Bernardes. 2023. Authentic leadership, organizational culture and the effects of hospital quality management practices on quality of care and patient satisfaction. Journal of Advanced Nursing 79: 3102–14. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Thompson, Geir, and Lars Glasø. 2018. Situational leadership theory: A test from a leader-follower congruence approach. Leadership & Organization Development Journal 39: 574–91. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Trachik, Benjamin, Emma H. Moscardini, Michelle L. Ganulin, Jen L. McDonald, Ashlee B. McKeon, Michael N. Dretsch, Raymond P. Tucker, and Walter J. Sowden. 2022. Perceptions of purpose, cohesion, and military leadership: A path analysis of potential primary prevention targets to mitigate suicidal ideation. Military Psychology 34: 366–75. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Trachik, Benjamim, Raymond P. Tucker, Michelle L. Ganulin, Julie C. Merrill, Matthew L. LoPresti, Oscar A. Cabrera, and Michael N. Dretsch. 2020. Leader provided purpose: Military leadership behavior and its association with suicidal ideation. Psychiatry Research 285: 112722. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Tuin, Lars Van, Wilmar B. Schaufeli, Anja Van den Broeck, and Williem van Rhenen. 2020. A corporate purpose as an antecedent to employee motivation and work engagement. Frontiers in Psychology 11: 572343. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Vandagriff, Susan. 2023. Do We Know What We Publish? Comparing Self-Reported Publication Data to Scopus and Web of Science. Serials Review 49: 15–22. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• VERBI Software. 2022. MAXQDA 2022 [Computer Software]. Available online: https://www.maxqda.com (accessed on 4 June 2024).
• Vugt, Mark, and Christopher Rueden. 2020. From genes to minds to cultures: Evolutionary approaches to leadership. The Leadership Quarterly 31: 101404. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Walker, Dayna Herbert, and Rebecca J. Reichard. 2020. On Purpose: Leader Self-Development and the Meaning of Purposeful Engagement. Journal of Leadership Studies 14: 26–38. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Williams, Oliver. 2018. Restorying the Purpose of Business: An Interpretation of the Agenda of the UN Global Compact. African Journal of Business Ethics 12: 85–95. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Xhemajli, Ariana, Mimoza Luta, and Emin Neziraj. 2022. Applying distributed leadership in micro and small enterprises of kosovo. WSEAS Transactions On Business And Economics 19: 1860–66. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Zaccaro, Stephen J. 2007. Trait-based perspectives of leadership. American Psychologist 62: 6–16. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Zhao, Liming, Miles Yang, Zhenyuan Wang, and Grant Michelson. 2023. Trends in the Dynamic Evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility and Leadership: A Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis. Journal of Business Ethics 182: 135–57. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Zhu, Jinlong, Zhenyu Liao, Kai Chi Yam, and Russell E. Johnson. 2018. Shared leadership: A state-of-the-art review and future research agenda. Journal of Organizational Behavior 39: 834–52. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]

Click here to enlarge figure

Share and Cite

Ribeiro, M.F.; Costa, C.G.d.; Ramos, F.R. Exploring Purpose-Driven Leadership: Theoretical Foundations, Mechanisms, and Impacts in Organizational Context. Adm. Sci. 2024 , 14 , 148. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14070148

Ribeiro MF, Costa CGd, Ramos FR. Exploring Purpose-Driven Leadership: Theoretical Foundations, Mechanisms, and Impacts in Organizational Context. Administrative Sciences . 2024; 14(7):148. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14070148

Ribeiro, Marco Ferreira, Carla Gomes da Costa, and Filipe R. Ramos. 2024. "Exploring Purpose-Driven Leadership: Theoretical Foundations, Mechanisms, and Impacts in Organizational Context" Administrative Sciences 14, no. 7: 148. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14070148

Article Metrics

Article access statistics, supplementary material.

ZIP-Document (ZIP, 98 KiB)

Further Information

Mdpi initiatives, follow mdpi.

Subscribe to receive issue release notifications and newsletters from MDPI journals

Nursing aide turned sniper: Thomas Crooks' mysterious plot to kill Trump

BUTLER, Pa. – Donald Trump and would-be assassin Thomas Crooks started on their violent collision course long before the former president's political rally ended in gunshots and death.

Crooks, 20, was a one-time registered Republican, a nursing home worker with no criminal record, shy in school, and living in a decent middle-class neighborhood in suburban Pennsylvania with his parents. Trump, 78, was eyeing Crooks' state as a key battleground – but not in the way that anyone envisioned on Saturday.

Riding high on polls showing that he's got a strong chance of toppling President Joe Biden, the former president had been campaigning for reelection in swing states, and Pennsylvania is a key prize. Trump won the state in 2016 but lost it four years later.

And on July 3, Trump's campaign announced he would hold a rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds, about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh.

"Pennsylvania has been ravaged by monumental surges in violent crime as a direct result of Biden’s and Democrats’ pro-criminal policies," Trump's campaign said in announcing the event, noting that when he's elected, he'll "re-establish law and order in Pennsylvania!"

The Saturday attack on Trump turned the heated rhetoric of the 2024 presidential campaign freshly violent. Authorities said bullets fired from Crooks' AR-15 style rifle about 150 yards away grazed Trump's ear, killed a rally attendee as he dove to protect his family, and critically wounded two others. Secret Service agents killed Crooks moments later.

Attack planned well in advance

Investigators are still seeking Crooks' motive – despite his Republican leanings, he had donated recently to a progressive voter-turnout campaign in 2021 – but indicated he'd planned the attack well in advance.

The shooting marks the first assassination attempt against a former or current U.S. president since President Ronald Reagan was injured in a March 1981 shooting at a Washington, D.C., hotel. 

There are many questions about why Crooks turned into a would-be presidential assassin, firing indiscriminately into hordes of political supporters.

FBI special agent Kevin Rojek said on a call with media that law enforcement located "a suspicious device" when they searched Crooks' vehicle and that it's being analyzed at the FBI crime lab.

"As far as the actions of the shooter immediately prior to the event and any interaction that he may have had with law enforcement, we're still trying to flesh out those details now," Rojek said.

None of Crooks' shocked neighbors or high school classmates described him as violent or that he in any way signaled he was intent on harming Trump. Sunday morning, reporters and curious locals swarmed the leafy streets of the home where Crooks lived with his parents in Bethel Park, about 50 miles from the shooting scene.

Those who knew him described a quiet young man who often walked to work at a nearby nursing home. One classmate said he was bullied and often ate alone in high school.

Sunday morning, neighbor Cathy Caplan, 45, extended her morning walk about a quarter mile to glimpse what was happening outside Crooks’ home.“It came on the morning news and I was like ‘I know that street,’” said Caplan, who works for the local school district. "It feels like something out of a movie.”

Dietary aide turned deadly killer

Authorities say they are examining Crooks' phone, social media and online activity for motivation. They said he carried no identification and his body had to be identified via DNA and biometric confirmation.

Although no possible motive has yet been released, Crooks nevertheless embodies the achingly familiar profile of an American mass shooter: a young white man, isolated from peers and armed with a high-powered rifle. His attack was one of at least 59 shootings in the United States on Saturday, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

According to records and online posts of the ceremony, Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School, about 42 miles from Butler County, on June 3, 2022. That same day, Trump met briefly with investigators at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida as they examined whether he improperly took classified documents with him when he left the White House.

A classmate remembered Crooks as a frequent target of bullies. Kids picked on him for wearing camouflage to class and his quiet demeanor, Jason Kohler, 21, said. Crooks usually ate lunch alone, Kohler said.

Crooks worked as a dietary aide at the Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, less than a mile from his home. In a statement provided to USA TODAY on Sunday, Marcie Grimm, the facility's administrator, said she was "shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement."

Neighbor Dean Sierka, 52, has known Crooks and his parents for years. The families live a few doors apart on a winding suburban street, and Sierka’s daughter, who attended elementary, middle and high school with Crooks, remembers him as quiet and shy. Sierka said they saw Crooks at least once a week, often when he was walking to the nursing home from his parents' three-bedroom brick house.

"You wouldn’t have expected this," Sierka said. "The parents and the family are all really nice people."

"It's crazy," he added.

Secret Service role: Did they do enough?

Founded in 1865, the Secret Service is supposed to stop this kind of attack, and dozens of agents were present Saturday. As the former president and presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Trump's public appearances are managed by the Secret Service, which works with local law enforcement to develop security plans and crowd-management protocols.

In the days before the event, the agency's experts would have scouted the location, identified security vulnerabilities, and designed a perimeter to keep Trump and rally attendees safe. Congress and the Secret Service are now investigating how Crooks was able to get so close to the former president, and several witnesses reported seeing him in the area with the gun before Trump took the stage.

As the event doors opened at 1 p.m., the temperature was already pushing close to 90, and ticketed attendees oozed through metal detectors run by members of the Secret Service's uniformed division. Similar to airport security screenings, rallygoers emptied their pockets to prove they weren't carrying guns or other weapons.

Media reports indicate the Secret Service had in place, as usual, a counter-sniper team scanning the surrounding area for threats.

In an exclusive interview, former Secret Service Director Julia Pierson told USA TODAY that maintaining such a sniper security perimeter is part of the agency's responsibility for safeguarding protectees like Trump from harm. She said agents typically consider 1,000 yards to be the minimum safe distance for sniper attacks.

The Secret Service has confirmed that it is investigating how Crooks got so close to Trump, who took the stage shortly after 6 p.m. Officials say Crooks' rifle was legally obtained but have not yet released specifics.

Outside the venue at that time, Greg Smith says he tried desperately to get the attention of police. He told the BBC that he and his friends saw a man crawling along a roof overlooking the rally. Other witnesses said they also saw a man atop the American Glass Research building outside the official event security perimeter, well within the range of a 5.56 rifle bullet.

"We noticed the guy bear-crawling up the roof of the building beside us, 50 feet away from us," Smith told the BBC. "He had a rifle, we could clearly see him with a rifle."

Smith told the BBC that the Secret Service eventually saw him and his friends pointing at the man on the roof.

"I'm thinking to myself, why is Trump still speaking, why have they not pulled him off the stage?" Smith said. "Next thing you know, five shots rang out."

From his nearby deck, Trump supporter Pat English watched as the former president took the stage to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the U.S.A.," and attendees raised their cell phones to record.

English had taken his grandson to see the rally earlier but left when it got too hot. From his deck, they listened as Trump began speaking at 6:05 p.m., backed by a crown of red-hatted MAGA supporters waving "fire Joe Biden" signs.

And then gunfire began.

Boom, boom, boom

"I heard a 'boom, boom, boom' and then screams,” English said Sunday. "I could see people running and the police run in."

Trump was saying the word "happened" as the first pop rang out. He reached up to grab his ear as two more shots echoed, and the crowd behind him – and Trump himself – ducked. Plainclothes Secret Service agents piled atop the president as a fusillade of shots rang out, apparently the Secret Service killing Crooks.

The crowd screamed, and the venue's sound system picked up the agents atop Trump planning to move the former president to safety. One yelled, "shooter's down. Let's move, let's move."

The agents then helped Trump back to his feet as they shielded him on all sides.

The sound system then picked up Trump's voice: "Wait, wait," he said, before turning to the audience and triumphantly raising his fist to yell "fight, fight" as the crowd cheered, blood streaming down his face.

By 6:14 p.m. Trump's motorcade was racing from the scene, and in a later statement, Trump's campaign said he was checked out at a local medical facility.

"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump said in a statement. "I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening."

Firefighter 'hero' gunned down

Outside of the Butler Township Administration Office Sunday afternoon, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro identified the rally attendee killed by Crooks as Corey Comperatore, a firefighter, father of two and longtime Trump supporter.

“Corey died a hero,” Shapiro said. “Corey dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally. Corey was the very best of us. May his memory be a blessing.”

Two other Pennsylvanians are still undergoing treatment for their injuries, Shapiro said.

Pennsylvania State Police identified two wounded attendees David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township. Both are hospitalized and listed in stable condition. Shapiro said he spoke with the family of one victim and received a message from the other.

Biden spoke briefly with Trump on Saturday night, and the president condemned the assassination attempt as “sick.” He said there’s no place for political violence in the U.S. and called on Americans to unite together to condemn it.

But earlier in the week, Biden told campaign donors in a private phone call it was time to stop talking about his own disastrous presidential debate performance and start targeting Trump instead.

"I have one job and that's to beat Donald Trump," Biden said. "We're done talking about the (June 27) debate. It's time to put Trump in the bullseye."

Republicans across the country have used similar language to attack their opponents over the years, and political scientists say violent rhetoric used worldwide almost invariably leads to physical violence.

On Sunday, someone parked a truck-mounted electronic billboard at the gates to the Butler Farm Show grounds reading "Democrats attempted assassination," along with a picture of Trump clutching an American flag, his face overlaid with a bullseye crosshairs.

Authorities say they have not yet determined a motive for Crooks' attack. But in a statement, Trump declared the shooting an act of evil and thanked God for preventing the unthinkable.

"We will fear not, but instead remain resilient in our faith and defiant in the face of wickedness," Trump said.

And he said he'd be back on the campaign trail for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which starts Monday.

"Based on yesterday’s terrible events, I was going to delay my trip to Wisconsin, and the Republican National Convention, by two days," Trump said on his Truth Social account Sunday, "but have just decided that I cannot allow a 'shooter,' or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else."

Contributing: David Jackson, Aysha Bagchi, Christopher Cann, Bryce Buyakie, Emily Le Coz, Josh Meyer, USA TODAY Network

How the assassination attempt unfolded : Graphics, maps, audio analysis show what happened