trailhead

“The potential of newly created forests to draw down carbon is often overstated. They can be harmful to biodiversity. Above all, they are really damaging when used, as they often are, as avoidance offsets— “as an excuse to avoid cutting emissions,” Crowther said.”

I love trees. I’ve supported initiatives like this in a few different ways, so this is a bit frustrating. And if I’m honest, it’s obvious in hindsight and I wish I would’ve been more selective in the projects that I supported. 

This points at a posture we often see in environmentalism though, that of the near total certainty (and even aggression) behind some research and directives. There’s little room for humility or tolerance for unintended consequences.

“The potential of newly created forests to draw down carbon is often overstated. They can be harmful to biodiversity. Above all, they are really damaging when used, as they often are, as avoidance offsets— “as an excuse to avoid cutting emissions,” Crowther said.”

I love trees. I’ve supported initiatives like this in a few different ways, so this is a bit frustrating. And if I’m honest, it’s obvious in hindsight and I wish I would’ve been more selective in the projects that I supported. 

This points at a posture we often see in environmentalism though, that of the near total certainty (and even aggression) behind some research and directives. There’s little room for humility or tolerance for unintended consequences. 
https://www.wired.com/story/stop-planting-trees-thomas-crowther