Branch Line?

The State of the World's Trees Report followed 5 years of international study (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/01/up-to-half-worlds-wild-tree-species-could-risk-extinction). The report found that more than 17,500 species (almost 30% of the total), faced an extinction risk. This is about double the number of species of vertebrates, likely to permanently disappear in the near future. Endangered tree species are found all over the globe. Predictably, Brazil and Madagascar are the most problematic areas. Some species are threatened, however, in Europe (like the illustrated Rowan) and North America. Forest clearance, for farming, was the biggest cause of losses. Logging, livestock rearing, wood pulp production and residential/commercial building were also major factors. It seems self-defeating to be losing tree species, when their roles in carbon sequestering are being highlighted. Tree species are very different in their long-term impacts on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. They are also very different in their abilities to thrive in different environments. Many trees also produce products essential for animal (including human) species. Reducing the number of species, markedly reduces our options in attempts to maintain biodiversity.