This might be a stupid question, but why do we not make it profitable to own and grow forests? The people in Brazil do not burn down the forest for no reason – it is because for them the only way to earn from owning that land is to use it for farming or agriculture.
In Afghanistan etc. for many land owners the way to get their living is to grow poppies for opium production.
When everyone is so concerned about the growing CO2 levels, why do we not make it more profitable to grow, own and maintain forest without the intention to cut it down and sell the wood? Growing opium poppies might be better business than growing trees, but at least we should offer the land owners the opportunity to do the right thing.
