Using ecosystem integrity to maximize climate mitigation and minimize risk in international forest policy

Several key international policy frameworks involve forests, including the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and Convention Biological Diversity (CBD). However, rules guidelines that treat forest types equally regardless of their ecosystem integrity risk profiles in terms carbon loss limit effectiveness can facilitate degradation. Here we assess potential for using a framework to guide goals. We review theory present conceptual framework, compare elements between primary human-modified discuss management implications. find forests consistently have higher levels lower than forests. This underscores need protect develop consistent large-scale data products identify high-integrity operationalize integrity. Doing so will optimize long-term storage provision other services, help evolving at nexus biodiversity climate crises.