Forests are vital ecosystems that are critical for biodiversity, climate regulation, and human livelihoods, but they are increasingly threatened by deforestation and climate change. They are home to a vast majority of the world's land-based species and play a key role in absorbing carbon dioxide, which helps moderate the global climate. Forests also provide resources and support for millions of people through products, food, and jobs, and protect against natural disasters like floods and soil erosion.