But concepts used in the insurance industry could be used to save forests around the world. The United Nations has a scheme called R E D D, or Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation, which allows developing countries to trade-in carbon credits to help stop the exploitation of forests.
However the concept is not without its weaknesses.
Angus Randall spoke to director of ecological modeling at the Environmental Institute, Professor Corey Bradshaw who co-wrote the article suggesting the use of insurance theories with R E D D.
Producer: Angus Randall