A report has warned of a looming water crisis linked to the massive forest destruction.

Forest and Water on a Changing Planet: Vulnerability, Adaptation and Governance Opportunities’ says no attention has been paid to the importance of forests and trees in the water cycle. It warns that the problem will complicate attainment of sustainable development goals.

“Forests’ role in the water cycle is at least as important as their role in the carbon cycle in the face of climate change. In addition to being the lungs of the planet, they also act as kidneys,” the report reads. It says focusing on the forests-water-people-climate links “wisely, comprehensively and expeditiously” is crucial for long-term wellbeing and survival.The report is a global assessment prepared by the Global Forest Expert Panel — an initiative of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests led by the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO).

The Kenya Forestry Research Institute, World Agroforestry Centre, African Forest Forum, African Network for Agriculture and Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education are members of the IUFRO. The report is to be launched today at the UN’s high-level political forum on sustainable development in New York.