The Three Basins, One Lifeline report from the Planetary Guardians demonstrates that safeguarding the Amazon, Congo, and South-East Asian rainforest basins is both an environmental priority and a macroeconomic imperative. Holding 80% of the world’s remaining rainforests and two-thirds of its biodiversity, these basins regulate global weather, secure freshwater for food production, and store vast amounts of carbon. Yet with only 36% of their forests left intact, urgent action is needed.

The report makes it clear: the resilience of the Three Basins is more than just an environmental priority; it is a macroeconomic imperative, and crucial for humanity to thrive.  Effective investment in avoided deforestation provides over 40% of low-cost abatement potential at just US$20–50 per tCO₂ -seven to ten times cheaper than reforestation. Research shows that nature-based solutions, primarily forest conservation and restoration, can deliver 37% of the cost-effective climate mitigation needed by 2030. To unlock this potential, the report calls on global Finance Ministers, international development banks, and global investors to treat the protection of the Three Basins as a critical investment.

We are grateful to Systemiq for producing the Three Basins, One Lifeline report on our behalf.