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Re:Prosperity comes at 'devastating' cost to nature by didgeoridoo on Tuesday February 02, 2021 @07:58AM (#26000440)
The trend is upward over the last 40 years (about 7% more global forest cover now than in 1982[0]) but I don’t think the data exist to extrapolate further back to, say, the beginning of the 20th century.

[0]: https://phys.org/news/2018-08-global-forest-loss-years-offse...

Edit: oh god 1982 was almost 40 years ago not 30. Tempus fugit.

Re:Prosperity comes at 'devastating' cost to nature by mymythisisthis on Tuesday February 02, 2021 @08:21AM (#26000620)
Wood was the main form of fuel, until very recently.

The forests that have grown back are not as healthy as the old growth. In the NE of America, the oaks and transitional maples have greatly diminished. Faster growing, and invasive species have taken their place. Less diversity in the wildlife, as the new trees don't provide the same amount of shelter.

The importance of grasslands are overlooked. The prairies in NA have been turned into a monoculture nightmare. Grasses grow fast and are great at capturing carbon, providing food, and habitat for animals.

Re:Prosperity comes at 'devastating' cost to nature by wombatmobile on Tuesday February 02, 2021 @08:12AM (#26000545)
That comes as a surprise to me. Thanks for linking to the article.