On this episode we discuss how newly released data shows deforestation rose in 2020, even while tree planting initiatives took root all around the planet.

Mongabay founder and CEO Rhett Butler joins us to discuss the 2020 deforestation data, how that fits into broader trends affecting the world’s forests, and what good news there is to take from last year’s deforestation numbers.

We also welcome Mongabay staff writer Dr. Liz Kimbrough to the program to discuss our new database of hundreds of reforestation projects from around the world she helped assemble that aims to help donors find the most effective tree-planting initiatives to support.

Find this new Reforestation Directory and app to learn about tree planting projects you might want to study or support at Reforestation.app.

Articles discussed in this episode:

• “Global forest loss increased in 2020” (31 March 2021) • “A Madagascar-sized area of forest has regrown since 2000” (12 May 2021) • “Is planting trees as good for the Earth as everyone says?” (13 May 2021) • “How settlers, scientists, and a women-led industry saved Brazil’s rarest primate” (14 May 2021) • “How to pick a tree-planting project? Mongabay launches transparency tool to help supporters decide” (17 May 2021)

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Episode artwork: A man carries trees during a reforestation project in Tanzania. Image courtesy of One Tree Planted.   Please share your thoughts! [email protected]