The Threat From Trees

Thanks for highlighting the critical importance of forests in controling carbon emissions. Although not changing the fundamental message of the article, the following key phrase is rather misleading:
"When a tree dies or a forest is cut, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere."
Carbon is only released back into the atmosphere when the tree is burnt (a common occurance when clearing forest for agricultural or other uses), or as it decomposes (a natural occurance in natural forest).
Wood cut for use in construction, flooring or furniture actually retains carbon. If new trees are allowed to grow in their place they will capture and sequester even more carbon. This fact supports efforts to promote and accelerate sustainable forestry practices worldwide and incorporate the value of such activities into the carbon credit mechanism.

To find out more about the Samboja Lestari Project, including how to visit it, go to http://www.savetheorangutan.co.uk/?page_id=184.