Climate notes: Like the axe in the forest?Worldwide forest area and tropical forests

The General Assembly of the United Nations declared 2011 as International Year of the Forests in order to point out the importance of forests as wood suppliers, living space and an important factor in climate change. At the same time, the International Tropical Tiber Organization - ITTO - is celebrating 25 years of existence. The organisation is an international body whose goal is achieving a balance between sustainable land cultivation as well as use and trade of certified tropical timber. This article provides an overview of the development of worldwide forest areas in recent years.