Rainforest Protection Plan

On November 19, Prince Charles introduced an international fund designed to reduce the destruction of tropical rainforests. Nations such as Brazil and Indonesia rely on industries that tear down rainforests, such as logging, cattle farming, and palm oil production. Under this new plan, developed nations would invest in rainforest countries if they meet specific reduction targets, providing an incentive to protect this valuable natural resource. The US pledged $275 million to the effort, which aims to reduce annual deforestation rates by 25 percent in the next five years. The money is expected to come from world governments, but environmental groups are concerned these goals are unrealistic because funding is not yet secure.