Treekeepers: The Race for a Forested Future

In this sturdy report, conservation scientist Oakes (In Search of the Canary Tree) studies how ecologists use trees to fight climate change. She weaves science on the benefits of tree-lined city streets (neighborhoods with more tree coverage use less air conditioning and enjoy higher air quality) into her account of attending a Seattle urban forestry conference, and she discusses how Canada’s Ministry of Forests is helping trees “migrate” by planting seedlings north of their traditional ranges in the anticipation that their new environs will warm enough in the coming decades to resemble the trees’ historical habitats. Reforestation efforts must focus on restoring indigenous species, Oakes contends, lamenting how well-meaning initiatives that planted non-native trees gave rise to forests with less biodiversity. Oakes also warns that planting trees can’t offset current levels of carbon emissions and suggests that while forests may help contain carbon that’s already been released, reductions in fossil fuel use are still necessary to stem climate change. The author blends first-person reporting and ecology to winning effect, and her recognition that “planting trees isn’t a silver bullet” puts the strategy in perspective. Readers will come away with a comprehensive understanding of what trees can and can’t do for the environment. Photos. Agent: Jessica Papin, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Nov.)