Saving forests in the climate crisis | DW Documentary

Woodlands are crucial for life. But today more than ever, they’re threatened by devastating blazes. Heat and drought are fueling the flames. In Europe it’s no longer only the southern countries that are worst affected - the north is, too.

The Battle to Save Australia’s Ancient Forests

 

What motivates a doctor or an artist to chain themselves to trees and risk jail time?

Hundreds of ordinary citizens are volunteering in a battle to protect an ancient rainforest in the Australian state of Tasmania. They are determined to stop the construction of a tailings dam by a Chinese mining company, saying it threatens endangered wildlife and 500-year-old trees.

Despite tough new penalties for protesters, they are prepared to break the law for their beliefs.

Can Europe's forests still be saved?

Two-and-a-half centuries ago, most of Europe's woodlands were healthy. But those days are long gone. Across the continent, this habitat that stores water, restores the atmosphere, and hosts countless species of flora and fauna is now threatened.

 

Can Africa's forests help save the world?

Humans are destroying more and more natural habitats, which brings animals into closer contact with people -- and this can contribute to the outbreak of pandemics, like Covid-19. But several African countries are trying to protect forested areas.
 

Romania: Rape of the Forest

 

Amid allegations of corruption and violence, Romania’s ancient forests are being devastated by illegal logging.

It is getting dangerous in Romania’s vast ancient forests. The figures are stark: Six rangers killed (two in 2019 alone) and a further 650 attacked with axes, knives and guns.

The Carpathians, where 70 percent of Europe’s virgin forest is found, straddle Romania and Ukraine and are now the scene of a desperate battle between what has been dubbed the “Timber Mafia” and those risking their lives to protect this precious environment.

The 10 Largest Forests on Earth

Forests are some of the important ecosystems on the planet, but also some of the most threatened. In hopes of raising awareness of the issue of deforestation, here's the 10 largest forests on Earth. If I didn't include the "on Earth" part, this would be an entirely different list, trust me.