From the Amazon to the northern boreal the world’s last majestic stands of unbroken forest are under threat. The causes are clear: logging, booming cash crops like soy and palm oil, cattle ranching, urbanization, oil exploration and mining. But millions of people depend on forests for their livelihoods and forests are vast warehouses of biodiversity. Trees are also on the front line in the fight against climate change: storing carbon, pumping oxygen, regulating rainfall, moderating temperatures, purifying our air and water. People need trees and so does the planet. In a primal sense forests are us: it’s urgent we save them.
April 2016, Issue 491
Each month we publish some of the best stories from New Internationalist magazine.
The world’s last great woodlands are fast disappearing – with untold consequences for the environment and for us. Time to stop the destruction, argues Wayne Ellwood.
Nithin Coca reports from Indonesia on the expansion of oil palm plantations in the rainforests of Sumatra.
Sustainable forestry may be an oxymoron. Chris Lang finds some holes in the system.
Escaping the pressures of modern life in Japan. By Tina Burrett and Christopher Simons.
Forest communities are under siege in Cambodia, says Fran Lambrick.
Diana Beresford-Kroeger unveils the hidden bio-chemistry of trees.
Facts and figures about trees and forests, from carbon control to biodiversity.
Hawkish Hillary is a friend of bankers and warmongers, despite her Democratic credentials.
John F Schumaker asks how we can treat our sick culture and make ourselves well.
Good for corporations, but what about the pupils? Adam Unwin and John Yandell consider the impact of edu-businesses.
Dominik Sipiński reports on the rise of a nationalist Poland.
Malcolm Lewis reviews some current and future releases.
Louise Gray reviews the pick of this month's releases.
This month's book reviews, from Angry White People to a Girl in Exile.
Steve Parry explains why politicians and the internet don't get on. PLUS: Polyp's Big Bad World cartoon.
Trust between communities is being rebuilt, writes Ruby Diamonde.
Don't listen to the cynics – Mark Engler thinks activists should pat themselves on the back.
Jan Rocha on the challenges and paradoxes in one of the world's most unequal countries.
Comedian Shazia Mirza reveals her inspirations, fears and political passions.
Here are all the stories available to subscribers.
from Wayne Ellwood.
Assange must answer; Australian gulag; change strategy.
by cartoonist Simon Kneebone
Plus Marc Roberts' Only Planet cartoon.
Subscribers get the latest stories at the start of the month.
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