Earth's Forests

In this session our geographer, Dr Simon Gosling, discusses the significance of the world’s forests for sustainability.

First in the video, and then in more detail in the reading that follows, Simon discusses why there is a growing need to manage the Earth’s forests sustainably. He discusses this in two contexts: first, within the context of global climate change because forests provide an important ecosystem service. Our forests absorb and store CO2 from the atmosphere, which helps to limit global warming. Destruction of the Earth’s forests therefore has a very real potential to negatively affect the global climate system, if they are not managed sustainably.

Secondly, Simon explores how we can manage our forests sustainably. He shows us the evidence of sustainable forest management in our everyday lives; eg, through the products we use and purchase regularly. He helps us grow our awareness of how the principles of sustainability – specifically sustainable forest management – are something that we can support through our everyday choices as a consumer.

Those of you in China can also view this video on our Tudou channel.

Think about: forests and woodlands are regular features of our childhoods – either as places to play, or as the settings for fairy tales and stories. Why do you think this is? Feel free to share a photo via Flickr.