UN’s GFG Report 2026: Fuelwood Demand Emerges as Major Driver of Global Forest Loss

Current Context: The UN Global Forest Goals (GFG) Report 2026 was launched on May 11, 2026 at the 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21) in New York.

• It is the second global review prepared by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) (UN DESA) and the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat under the UN Strategic Plan for Forests (2017–2030).

Highlights

• Data Sources: Voluntary National Reports, FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment, and other datasets (>50% of global forest area).
• Progress: 27% of targets achieved, 65% partially met; gains in Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), restoration, and policy integration.
• Forest Loss: Over 40 million hectares lost (2015–2025), mainly due to agriculture expansion and fuelwood demand.
• Challenges: Pace of action insufficient; deforestation and degradation persist.
• Gaps: Weak governance, insecure land tenure, and inadequate financing hinder faster progress.
• Significance: Forests remain vital for climate resilience, biodiversity, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Question:

Q.1 According to the UN Global Forest Goals (GFG) Report 2026, what percentage of targets have been fully achieved globally?
a) 17%
b) 27%
c) 37%
d) 47%

Answer: b) The report stated that 27% of the targets under the Global Forest Goals had been achieved.