Humankind can’t see the wood for the trees when it comes to clean air

We depend on forests to regulate climate and keep our air clean, yet we destroy them at an increasing rate. Justin Adams assesses plans to restore the world’s woodlands

HUMANKIND has always had a tricky relationship with forests. We depend on them to regulate the climate and rainfall, clean our air and water, sustain myriad species of plants and animals, and support the livelihoods of over a billion people.

Yet we continue to destroy them, to the point that only half the world’s original forest cover remains.