Forests hold about 80% of the world's land biodiversity, with over 60,000 tree species. More than 1 billion people rely on forests for food, shelter, energy, and income. Deforestation continues at an alarming rate—1.95 billion acres lost annually, contributing 12–20% of global greenhouse gases.

These UN numbers remind us of forests' importance. They reflect both the lush forests of the past and the devastation caused by deforestation, as well as reforestation efforts.