Reforesting the Earth: The Human Drivers of Forest Conservation, Restoration, and Expansion

Forests are a natural solution to the climate crisis, but elite-driven reforestation initiatives have been disappointing. Thomas K. Rudel examines effective coalition-building strategies and organizational models that have protected, restored, and expanded forests around the world. He argues that successful reforestation projects bring together diverse groups of people with a stake in the land and a commitment to collective decision-making. Reforesting the Earth offers a guide to scaling up local efforts to sequester carbon and makes a powerful case for a global reforestation movement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Forests provide a natural solution to the climate crisis, offering a multifaceted approach to address environmental challenges. By conserving and expanding forests, we can effectively remove carbon from the atmosphere, while also safeguarding and promoting biodiversity. However, the outcomes of elite-driven reforestation initiatives have been disappointing, and deforestation continues to be a pressing issue in many world regions.

In his book "Reforesting the Earth," Thomas K. Rudel delves into a comprehensive examination of conservation and reforestation efforts across the globe. Through detailed analysis, Rudel sheds new light on the social factors that contribute to successful reforestation projects. He highlights effective coalition-building strategies and organizational models that have successfully protected, restored, and expanded forests in various parts of the world.

Rudel argues that successful reforestation efforts require the collaboration of diverse groups of people with a stake in the land and a commitment to collective decision-making. These groups include small farmers, Indigenous peoples, loggers, ranchers, government officials, NGO personnel, international donors, and climate activists. Each of these coalition members brings unique perspectives and interests to the table, and they work together to promote forests. Farmers limit the extent of land under cultivation, governments protect land tenure for smallholders, and wealthy donors make payments for environmental protections.

Reforesting the Earth is a timely and accessible guide that offers practical insights for scaling up local efforts to sequester carbon. It provides a compelling case for a global reforestation movement, emphasizing the importance of collective action and the potential for positive environmental change. By recognizing the diverse stakeholders involved in reforestation projects and fostering collaboration, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231210690