Why forests are important and how ancient trees help us understand climate change with Mary Gagen, Chief Advisor on Forests at WWF UK

In today’s episode I’m chatting with Mary Gagen, a Professor of Geography at Swansea University, and the Chief Advisor on Forests at WWF UK.

Forests are our strongest allies in the fight against climate change, and yet we are failing them. They absorb a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, are home to 80% of the world’s land-based animal and plant species, and provide livelihoods for 1.6 billion people. Yet forests all around the world keep being destroyed despite all the global pledges and declarations to protect them. So last month, WWF UK released a report called ‘Forest Pathways’, highlighting the solutions that exist to protect and restore our forests.

Mary and I spoke about the report, what it means and how she hopes it will be used. She also shared her thoughts on ancient trees and what they can tell us about climate change, and her perspective on the tension between the need for systemic change and individual action.

Want to dive deeper?

• Read the Forest Pathways report - https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/landscapes/forests/pathways-report-summary

Come say hi!

• WWF UK on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/climateincolour/
• Why We Care on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whywecarepodcast/
• Tiphaine on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tiphainemarie_/

If you enjoyed the episode and want to help the podcast, I would be super grateful if you could leave a little review or share it with a friend who might like it. Thank you so much for caring and sending you lots of love!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.