Forests as Carbon Sinks Forests are Earth's most effective natural carbon sinks, they absorb and store carbon dioxide, the leading environmentally damaging gas in the atmosphere. They essentially act as a filter, helping to maintain the global climate. A single mature tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide a year, the average yearly emissions of 8,000 miles driven in an SUV. Forests provide many direct benefits to human societies like timber for construction and paper making but their most important role may be in moderating the Earth's climate. Trees capture and store carbon as they grow through a process called "photosynthesis." As trees and plants grow and mature, they absorb large volumes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into carbon compounds, such as cellulose, which are stored in the biomass of the tree and other plant material. Protecting and expanding forests to maximize their carbon sink capabilities may be an indispensable measure in the fight against climate change. While reducing emissions from traditional fossil fuels is no doubt necessary, protecting forests and reforesting degraded areas is an important part of a broader strategy to help reduce the harmful effects of carbon emissions. Ending deforestation and protecting forests will have a variety of other positive implications as well. Forests are home to millions of species of different animals and plants yet deforestation continues to threaten species and their habitats. Expanding, sustaining and protecting forests can be a valuable tool in biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, forests and vegetation are critical in regulating local climates, preserving water supply and protecting against soil erosion. Therefore, forests should be a central focus of climate change mitigation efforts. Governments and conservation organizations should focus on developing effective tools and policies, which strike a balance between economic development and conservation, by rewarding countries for protecting their forests and penalizing them for deforestation. This would provide an important incentive for countries to preserve their forests, ensuring the long-term viability of forests and their services.