It is a day dedicated to our forests, a day for celebration and raising awareness for the immense challenges we’re facing and the needed action.

The theme for International Day of Forests 2024 is “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World”.
The United Nations writes:

“The battle against deforestation requires new technological advancements. With 10 million hectares lost annually due to deforestation and approximately 70 million hectares affected by fires, these innovations are essential for early warning systems, sustainable commodity production, and empowering Indigenous Peoples through land mapping and climate finance access.

Additionally, ecosystem restoration, including reforestation efforts, can significantly contribute to climate mitigation and enhance food security while pushing the boundaries of sustainable wood products. and enhance food security while promoting sustainable wood products.”

Over 420 million hectares of forest have vanished since 1990, and greed is still ruling the world. I understand the importance of (new) technologies to monitor and even fix the damage, but the root of the problem doesn’t seem to be the lack of technology.

Most of our village is surrounded by cleared forest, I see humans hunting whales and killing (baby) seals, and fishing the waters empty. I see cities that are struggling to be livable in hot summers cutting down trees and constructing empty concrete squares. Some seem to want to exploit every bit of green we have.
We need more than technology. As a society, we need to get our connection with nature back. We need to respect our surroundings and accept that we are just a part of it. Not the greatest creature of all time that can rule and destroy like a Disney villain.