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The Power of Trees: How Ancient Forests Can Save Us if We Let Them
"Another love letter from Wohlleben to the green world… makes the case for how we should allow forests throughout the world to regrow and in the process help heal not only the climate but us, as well."—Lydia Millet, Oprah Daily
An illuminating manifesto on ancient how they adapt to climate change by passing their wisdom through generations, and why our future lies in protecting them.
In his beloved book The Hidden Life of Trees , Peter Wohlleben revealed astonishing discoveries about the social networks of trees and how they communicate. Now, in The Power of Trees , he turns to their future, with a searing critique of forestry management, tree planting, and the exploitation of old growth forests.
As human-caused climate change devastates the planet, forests play a critical role in keeping it habitable. While politicians and business leaders would have us believe that cutting down forests can be offset by mass tree planting, Wohlleben offers a many tree planting campaigns lead to ecological disaster. Not only are these trees more susceptible to disease, flooding, fires, and landslides, we need to understand that forests are more than simply a collection of trees. Instead, they are ecosystems that consist of thousands of species, from animals to fungi and bacteria. The way to save trees, and ourselves? Step aside and let forests—which are naturally better equipped to face environmental challenges—heal themselves.
With the warmth and wonder familiar to readers from his previous books, Wohlleben also shares emerging scientific research about how forests shape climates both locally and across continents; that trees adapt to changing environmental conditions through passing knowledge down to their offspring; and how old growth may in fact have the most survival strategies for climate change.
At the heart of The Power of Trees lies Wohlleben's passionate that our survival is dependent on trusting ancient forests, and allowing them to thrive.
Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki Institute.
An illuminating manifesto on ancient how they adapt to climate change by passing their wisdom through generations, and why our future lies in protecting them.
In his beloved book The Hidden Life of Trees , Peter Wohlleben revealed astonishing discoveries about the social networks of trees and how they communicate. Now, in The Power of Trees , he turns to their future, with a searing critique of forestry management, tree planting, and the exploitation of old growth forests.
As human-caused climate change devastates the planet, forests play a critical role in keeping it habitable. While politicians and business leaders would have us believe that cutting down forests can be offset by mass tree planting, Wohlleben offers a many tree planting campaigns lead to ecological disaster. Not only are these trees more susceptible to disease, flooding, fires, and landslides, we need to understand that forests are more than simply a collection of trees. Instead, they are ecosystems that consist of thousands of species, from animals to fungi and bacteria. The way to save trees, and ourselves? Step aside and let forests—which are naturally better equipped to face environmental challenges—heal themselves.
With the warmth and wonder familiar to readers from his previous books, Wohlleben also shares emerging scientific research about how forests shape climates both locally and across continents; that trees adapt to changing environmental conditions through passing knowledge down to their offspring; and how old growth may in fact have the most survival strategies for climate change.
At the heart of The Power of Trees lies Wohlleben's passionate that our survival is dependent on trusting ancient forests, and allowing them to thrive.
Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki Institute.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
224 people are currently reading
5683 people want to read
About the author
Peter Wohlleben
108 books1,946 followersPeter Wohlleben is a German forester and author who writes on ecological themes in popular language.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
July 7, 2023
3.5 stars
I didn't read Hidden Life of Trees (or watch the movie, but I will); I bought the book for my tree loving friend and she did love the book. I won this on Goodreads Giveaway, but honestly, I didn't know those two books were connected.
This book is powerful and informative and interesting, which also includes solutions at the end. I learned so much about trees and about forest management. His big thing was to let nature be and let's try not to fix the issue, but just stop things destroying it. Simple as that. But we are humans will do what we will always do and that's fix the problem with a short-term solution that's not thought out or look at any effects it will have in the future. Americans are the worst about this.
My problems with the book is that it's a science book. So.Much.Science, and not really a flow to the science. It was just kind of thrown at me without a transition or more explanation of the overall data. My eyes glazed over a lot. And it's based on Germany and their practices; USA has a whole set of other issues that it won't help as much like wildfires, states, etc.
I think people who love nature and trees and want to learn more will love this book. I definitely did; it just wasn't my favorite book to read if that makes sense. I started to get more serious about my paper usage.
I didn't read Hidden Life of Trees (or watch the movie, but I will); I bought the book for my tree loving friend and she did love the book. I won this on Goodreads Giveaway, but honestly, I didn't know those two books were connected.
This book is powerful and informative and interesting, which also includes solutions at the end. I learned so much about trees and about forest management. His big thing was to let nature be and let's try not to fix the issue, but just stop things destroying it. Simple as that. But we are humans will do what we will always do and that's fix the problem with a short-term solution that's not thought out or look at any effects it will have in the future. Americans are the worst about this.
My problems with the book is that it's a science book. So.Much.Science, and not really a flow to the science. It was just kind of thrown at me without a transition or more explanation of the overall data. My eyes glazed over a lot. And it's based on Germany and their practices; USA has a whole set of other issues that it won't help as much like wildfires, states, etc.
I think people who love nature and trees and want to learn more will love this book. I definitely did; it just wasn't my favorite book to read if that makes sense. I started to get more serious about my paper usage.
April 26, 2023
I love trees and the sounds they make as the wind blows. I never realized how important trees were until I read this book. We can learn from trees on how to survive ourselves. Trees will always have away of coming back no matter what nature throws at them unlike people. Now when I sit and look at a tree or trees I look at them differently. Peter Wohlleben you really opened my eyes. Highly recommend.
June 6, 2023
This book’s message: Nature knows best. Get out of the way and let Nature (capitalization is mine) do her work. Let land become “wilderness” (the word Wohllenben prefers to “nature”).
This is not a pleasure read. It’s highly technical science. I read the first half straight through and then jumped around. If I’m ever writing something about trees and forests, I will certainly go back to this book for research.
I’ve had a fantasy that if I could acquire land, I would do so in order to give it back to Nature. I’d get out of the way and let it do what it knows a lot better than I or any other controlling human knows is best. This book validates that instinct. But it also makes me feel okay about living in a 2-room apartment in NYC and the likelihood that I will never acquire land. At least I’m not screwing things up on a massive scale.
My indoor garden:
In the afterword to this book, conservationist Professor Pierre Ibisch counsels us to “slow down.” Rather than frantic attempts to save forests by doing things that may not be positive in an unknown future, just slooooow down.
Again, he validates my own instincts.
I live at what was ground zero for COVID in the United States. At one point, with thousands of people dying and a field hospital in Central Park, New York City shut down. I had a dog at the time (she died in January 2022) and the first day of the shut-down, we went to Central Park for our regular walk, and I was stunned by the joyous eruption of nature. I felt like we were intruding so I tried to walk as softly and quietly as I could, reveling in the eruption of animal play, and I swear even the trees were in on it. With no traffic, the air cleared and New York City was pristine in two days. What was most stunning was how fast the climate changed in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the world with just the cessation of human activity. I wish we could have worldwide shutdowns—agreed-upon times once a month when we could allow nature to be in charge. I wonder how that might change our planet.
This is not a pleasure read. It’s highly technical science. I read the first half straight through and then jumped around. If I’m ever writing something about trees and forests, I will certainly go back to this book for research.
I’ve had a fantasy that if I could acquire land, I would do so in order to give it back to Nature. I’d get out of the way and let it do what it knows a lot better than I or any other controlling human knows is best. This book validates that instinct. But it also makes me feel okay about living in a 2-room apartment in NYC and the likelihood that I will never acquire land. At least I’m not screwing things up on a massive scale.
My indoor garden:
In the afterword to this book, conservationist Professor Pierre Ibisch counsels us to “slow down.” Rather than frantic attempts to save forests by doing things that may not be positive in an unknown future, just slooooow down.
Again, he validates my own instincts.
I live at what was ground zero for COVID in the United States. At one point, with thousands of people dying and a field hospital in Central Park, New York City shut down. I had a dog at the time (she died in January 2022) and the first day of the shut-down, we went to Central Park for our regular walk, and I was stunned by the joyous eruption of nature. I felt like we were intruding so I tried to walk as softly and quietly as I could, reveling in the eruption of animal play, and I swear even the trees were in on it. With no traffic, the air cleared and New York City was pristine in two days. What was most stunning was how fast the climate changed in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the world with just the cessation of human activity. I wish we could have worldwide shutdowns—agreed-upon times once a month when we could allow nature to be in charge. I wonder how that might change our planet.
July 2, 2023
Das ist das erste Mal, dass ich das Gefühl hatte, dass ich ein Buch lese, was inhaltlich sehr überflüssig für mich war. Was aber absolut nicht gegen das Buch spricht, sondern für den Autor. Da ich zeitnah Waldwissen gelesen hatte und alle Podcast Folgen von Peter Wohlleben gehört habe, waren mir alle Informationen bekannt und es war aus diesem Grund eine inhaltliche Wiederholung.
Wer aber noch nicht weiß wie Bäume das Klima zum positiven verändern und warum man die Art der Forstung überdenken sollte, muss dieses Buch lesen.
Wer aber noch nicht weiß wie Bäume das Klima zum positiven verändern und warum man die Art der Forstung überdenken sollte, muss dieses Buch lesen.
April 16, 2023
I am someone who loves being outside in my garden. It is a mix of fruit, veg and flowers and over the past 5 years, I have been planting trees to make my little plot as diverse as possible for the wildlife in my piece of Cornwall, UK. I have always been someone who likes the outside and living where I do I am close to nature as I live at the edge of a village. Surrounded by farmland, small areas of trees and also the coast. Reading The Power of Trees has opened up more ideas for me and there are little steps I can make in my own garden to do my part in helping the trees.
This is such a fantastic book to read, it is so informative. Yes, it is a bit science-based in places but not too much so. The author takes us through the evolution of trees, a slow natural process, and how this compares to how people try to manage a similar thing. Trees have adapted and changed over millions of years. There is fossilised evidence of plants and trees, so it does beg the question... how do we know more about the evolution of a species so different to ourselves. The fact that trees are the lungs of the earth makes it obvious that without them we would not survive.
The author tells how exasperated he gets when he comes across managed forests, these are planted for profit and are a single species. This means if there is a problem the whole forest can and does suffer. Rather than the diverse trees that have gradually made their homes and know how to work with the environment, managers believe they are better at doing it. they are not.
By removing the stalwarts of the older forest we are interfering and making the same mistakes over and over again. Scientists have been shouting for many years about how human progress is hindering the natural process. When you look at various documentaries, read articles online or just have a look with your own eyes, you can see that things are changing.
So why then do those in politics, who are backed by the money men prefer not to listen to what is backed up by years of research and study? It's obvious, it's all about the money, the profits and the financial gain.
As a gardener, I am aware of how carefully choosing the right plants to put in my garden. But it is becoming more difficult to work out what will do well in a particular growing season as the climate is so changeable. So how on earth can anyone work out what the climate will be like in 20 or 100 years times?
The author discusses many other things in this book and rather than paint a bleak picture he does offer hope. That we can change and see how beneficial the trees that have grown for hundreds of years actually know what they are doing, after all, they have been doing it for far longer. Trees are able to adapt to their surrounding, as is all plant life if it is in the right place at the right time.
The author has laid out this book in such a good way. He shows arguments from different groups, shows research and studies from people around the world and laid it down in the pages of his book. It makes sense, a couple of times I was a little lost in the science, but there really isn't that much. It is such an informative read and one that as soon as I picked it up completely had me hooked. As soon as I finished this one I bought his previous book, The Hidden Life of Trees.
If you have any interest in nature and the environment, if you are a gardener, a person that likes being outside, or someone who likes to sit under a tree on a sunny day to have a coffee, then this is a book you might enjoy. I adored it and I have taken so much from it that I can actually use and therefore it makes it a very important book. An amazing book that I would absolutely recommend.
This is such a fantastic book to read, it is so informative. Yes, it is a bit science-based in places but not too much so. The author takes us through the evolution of trees, a slow natural process, and how this compares to how people try to manage a similar thing. Trees have adapted and changed over millions of years. There is fossilised evidence of plants and trees, so it does beg the question... how do we know more about the evolution of a species so different to ourselves. The fact that trees are the lungs of the earth makes it obvious that without them we would not survive.
The author tells how exasperated he gets when he comes across managed forests, these are planted for profit and are a single species. This means if there is a problem the whole forest can and does suffer. Rather than the diverse trees that have gradually made their homes and know how to work with the environment, managers believe they are better at doing it. they are not.
By removing the stalwarts of the older forest we are interfering and making the same mistakes over and over again. Scientists have been shouting for many years about how human progress is hindering the natural process. When you look at various documentaries, read articles online or just have a look with your own eyes, you can see that things are changing.
So why then do those in politics, who are backed by the money men prefer not to listen to what is backed up by years of research and study? It's obvious, it's all about the money, the profits and the financial gain.
As a gardener, I am aware of how carefully choosing the right plants to put in my garden. But it is becoming more difficult to work out what will do well in a particular growing season as the climate is so changeable. So how on earth can anyone work out what the climate will be like in 20 or 100 years times?
The author discusses many other things in this book and rather than paint a bleak picture he does offer hope. That we can change and see how beneficial the trees that have grown for hundreds of years actually know what they are doing, after all, they have been doing it for far longer. Trees are able to adapt to their surrounding, as is all plant life if it is in the right place at the right time.
The author has laid out this book in such a good way. He shows arguments from different groups, shows research and studies from people around the world and laid it down in the pages of his book. It makes sense, a couple of times I was a little lost in the science, but there really isn't that much. It is such an informative read and one that as soon as I picked it up completely had me hooked. As soon as I finished this one I bought his previous book, The Hidden Life of Trees.
If you have any interest in nature and the environment, if you are a gardener, a person that likes being outside, or someone who likes to sit under a tree on a sunny day to have a coffee, then this is a book you might enjoy. I adored it and I have taken so much from it that I can actually use and therefore it makes it a very important book. An amazing book that I would absolutely recommend.
October 15, 2024
While being clear and urgent about the climate crisis. The book still conveys a message of hope.
All new information to me. It has changed the way I look at trees and my role in preserving nature
All new information to me. It has changed the way I look at trees and my role in preserving nature
April 29, 2024
Prevod skandal
*Izdanje koje sam citala je na srpskom jeziku ali ga nisam nasla na goodreadsu
*Izdanje koje sam citala je na srpskom jeziku ali ga nisam nasla na goodreadsu
May 31, 2023
Informatív, elgondolkodtató könyv. Néha kissé ismétli a szerző a korábbi könyveiben leírtakat, de nem zavaró módon. Számomra a hagyományos erdőgazdálkodás könyörtelen kritikáján kívül az erdőknek a (helyi) klímára tett hatása fog talán a leginkább megmaradni: esőcsinálás és hűtés - tényleg jó lenne hagyni az erdőket maguktól helyreállni, "öngyógyulni". Kíváncsi vagyok, a nagyközönség körében már nagyon népszerű szerző "magvetése" mennyire fog termékeny talajra hullani a döntéshozók és szakmabeliek között, idővel nagyobb teret nyer-e az ő felfogása. Remélem, igen.
September 5, 2021
Rezensionsexemplar
Peter Wohlleben studierte 20 Jahre lang Forstwissenschaft und setzt sich für die Rückkehr der Urwälder ein. Er hat schon einige Bücher zum Thema Bäume und Naturschutz geschrieben. Sein Buch „das geheime Leben der Bäume“ wurde 2020 verfilmt.
Sehr sachlich wird uns vermittelt wie wichtig Bäume für das Klima sind, denn sie können Temperatur und Niederschlag beeinflussen, so ist es nicht verwunderlich das die Abholzung der Bäume mit Schuld am Klimawandel ist.
Ein Baum kann unglaublich alt werden und im Laufe seines Lebens, sich dem Klimawandel und anderen äußeren Umständen gut anpassen, nur dauert das unheimlich lange, da Bäume sehr langsam sind. Bleibt so ein Baum bestehen und wird nicht abgeholzt, kann er sein Wissen an seine Nachkommen also seinen Sprösslingen weitergeben.
Solche Einblicke in das Leben eines Baumes fand ich sehr interessant und lesenswert. Außerdem geht der Autor darauf ein, wie Bäume zum Beispiel mit Trockenheit umgehen und mit ihrer Energie Haushalten oder unter welchen Bedingungen sich Bäume besonders wohlfühlen.
Er beschreibt was die Forstpolitik ändern müsste und wie mit Holz umgegangen werden sollte. So könnte zum Beispiel ein verringerter Fleischkonsum zu einer Rückkehr von neuen Wäldern führen und dadurch das lokale Klima abgekühlt werden.
„der Wald kommt zurück. Es wäre nur schön, wenn wir dann noch da sind!“
Für mich ein absolut lesenswertes und informatives Buch, zu einem Top aktuellen Thema.
Peter Wohlleben studierte 20 Jahre lang Forstwissenschaft und setzt sich für die Rückkehr der Urwälder ein. Er hat schon einige Bücher zum Thema Bäume und Naturschutz geschrieben. Sein Buch „das geheime Leben der Bäume“ wurde 2020 verfilmt.
Sehr sachlich wird uns vermittelt wie wichtig Bäume für das Klima sind, denn sie können Temperatur und Niederschlag beeinflussen, so ist es nicht verwunderlich das die Abholzung der Bäume mit Schuld am Klimawandel ist.
Ein Baum kann unglaublich alt werden und im Laufe seines Lebens, sich dem Klimawandel und anderen äußeren Umständen gut anpassen, nur dauert das unheimlich lange, da Bäume sehr langsam sind. Bleibt so ein Baum bestehen und wird nicht abgeholzt, kann er sein Wissen an seine Nachkommen also seinen Sprösslingen weitergeben.
Solche Einblicke in das Leben eines Baumes fand ich sehr interessant und lesenswert. Außerdem geht der Autor darauf ein, wie Bäume zum Beispiel mit Trockenheit umgehen und mit ihrer Energie Haushalten oder unter welchen Bedingungen sich Bäume besonders wohlfühlen.
Er beschreibt was die Forstpolitik ändern müsste und wie mit Holz umgegangen werden sollte. So könnte zum Beispiel ein verringerter Fleischkonsum zu einer Rückkehr von neuen Wäldern führen und dadurch das lokale Klima abgekühlt werden.
„der Wald kommt zurück. Es wäre nur schön, wenn wir dann noch da sind!“
Für mich ein absolut lesenswertes und informatives Buch, zu einem Top aktuellen Thema.
April 19, 2022
Wälder sind menschengemachten Problemen wie weltweite Ausbeutung, Vergiftung, Klimawandel, Abholzung sowie natürlichen Plagen wie Brände, Stürme und Schädlingen ausgesetzt.
Der Wald fungiert als natürliche Klimaanlage. Durch Verdunstung von Wasser können insb. Buchen und Eichen die Temperatur einer Landschaft gewaltig senken.
Natürliche Laubwälder speichern selbst im Sommer genug Feuchtigkeit und können nicht brennen.
Künstlich angelegte Nadelholzplantagen gleichen der Massentierhaltung.
Wälder sind komplexe Ökosysteme und elementar für: weltweite Wasserkreisläufe, CO2 Speicher, Abkühlungseffekte.
Reduktion Fleischkonsum würde nicht nur natürliche Wälder (keine Abholzung und Umwandlung zu Viehweide) schützen, sondern den Ausstoß an CO2 in die Atmosphäre deutlich verringern.
Beispiel Deutschland:
*Aktuell 88kg Rindfleisch pro Kopf p.a.
*1kg Rindfleisch entlässt ca. 100kg CO2
= 8,8 Tonnen CO2 pro Kopf p.a.
Bei Reduktion um 87% auf 1x Fleisch pro Woche (150g): 8kg Rindfleisch pro Kopf p.a.
= 0,8 Tonnen CO2 pro Kopf p.a.
Ein sehr einfach gerechnetes Beispiel, aber hilft dabei, ein Gefühl für Relationen und Größenordnungen zu erhalten.
Der Wald fungiert als natürliche Klimaanlage. Durch Verdunstung von Wasser können insb. Buchen und Eichen die Temperatur einer Landschaft gewaltig senken.
Natürliche Laubwälder speichern selbst im Sommer genug Feuchtigkeit und können nicht brennen.
Künstlich angelegte Nadelholzplantagen gleichen der Massentierhaltung.
Wälder sind komplexe Ökosysteme und elementar für: weltweite Wasserkreisläufe, CO2 Speicher, Abkühlungseffekte.
Reduktion Fleischkonsum würde nicht nur natürliche Wälder (keine Abholzung und Umwandlung zu Viehweide) schützen, sondern den Ausstoß an CO2 in die Atmosphäre deutlich verringern.
Beispiel Deutschland:
*Aktuell 88kg Rindfleisch pro Kopf p.a.
*1kg Rindfleisch entlässt ca. 100kg CO2
= 8,8 Tonnen CO2 pro Kopf p.a.
Bei Reduktion um 87% auf 1x Fleisch pro Woche (150g): 8kg Rindfleisch pro Kopf p.a.
= 0,8 Tonnen CO2 pro Kopf p.a.
Ein sehr einfach gerechnetes Beispiel, aber hilft dabei, ein Gefühl für Relationen und Größenordnungen zu erhalten.
January 3, 2024
Peter Wohlleben is fast becoming one of my favourite enviroscience writers.
This is the second of his books that I've read, and my knowledge of trees and their role in the ecosystem has grown immensely. The Power of Trees is a very impassioned non-fiction book that is not only educational but inspiring because you get a real sense of how much Wohlleben cares about his speciality.
The focus of this book, compared to The Hidden Life of Trees (my only other comparison at the time of writing this review), is more politically motivated – especially toward the end of the book. Much attention is focused on drumming up a call to action and the hows and whys of what should and can happen to turn things around for the environment.
That being said, I was constantly putting this book down to share so many amazing facts that I learnt on most pages. I'm sure I annoyed the heck out of my family during the reading process because of this! But I can't get over how fascinating trees are and how much we have to learn about them.
I sure hope we keep getting more tree books from Wohlleben, because I can't get enough of this topic.
This is the second of his books that I've read, and my knowledge of trees and their role in the ecosystem has grown immensely. The Power of Trees is a very impassioned non-fiction book that is not only educational but inspiring because you get a real sense of how much Wohlleben cares about his speciality.
The focus of this book, compared to The Hidden Life of Trees (my only other comparison at the time of writing this review), is more politically motivated – especially toward the end of the book. Much attention is focused on drumming up a call to action and the hows and whys of what should and can happen to turn things around for the environment.
That being said, I was constantly putting this book down to share so many amazing facts that I learnt on most pages. I'm sure I annoyed the heck out of my family during the reading process because of this! But I can't get over how fascinating trees are and how much we have to learn about them.
I sure hope we keep getting more tree books from Wohlleben, because I can't get enough of this topic.
September 8, 2023
I am once again asking you to read a book by Peter Wohlleben.
Wohlleben has this way of writing scathingly about humanity’s stupidity while being very nice and informative about it.
I can never walk away from his books without being angry, but simultaneously feeling hopeful of the good that we, as a species, are capable of.
Trees communicate, protect, and preserve. They are thanklessly generous. Empathy for nature is so important. Faith in nature’s ability to correct itself after we have ravaged it is just as equally important, if we want any chance of saving our forests. As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
To put it simply, without trees there is no us. Modern forestry practices are destroying our forests. And if you need any convincing of this, please read this book. We are fixing (read: making worse) problems that we created, without humility or reserve.
I am a huge fan of Wohlleben’s work and THE POWER OF TREES is no exception to that. This was excellent.
Wohlleben has this way of writing scathingly about humanity’s stupidity while being very nice and informative about it.
I can never walk away from his books without being angry, but simultaneously feeling hopeful of the good that we, as a species, are capable of.
Trees communicate, protect, and preserve. They are thanklessly generous. Empathy for nature is so important. Faith in nature’s ability to correct itself after we have ravaged it is just as equally important, if we want any chance of saving our forests. As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
To put it simply, without trees there is no us. Modern forestry practices are destroying our forests. And if you need any convincing of this, please read this book. We are fixing (read: making worse) problems that we created, without humility or reserve.
I am a huge fan of Wohlleben’s work and THE POWER OF TREES is no exception to that. This was excellent.
August 22, 2024
This book was an informative read on a topic I care a lot about, but I didn't really enjoy Wohlleben's writing style or constant use of analogies. I also felt that Wohlleben completely missed some important perspectives regarding traditional ecological knowledge and its application to sustainable forestry practices, and I think that this book's main downfall lies in Wohlleben's tunnel vision of Western science. Also, my copy had a few dozen typos.
June 29, 2024
I learned a lot!
June 4, 2023
Brilliant, in-depth, accessible. I really enjoy Wohlleben’s books, and this was no exception.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy of this book.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy of this book.
May 24, 2025
Drastically more political than life of trees, but I’m here for it, go get em Pete. Fuxk those German foresters
April 22, 2024
Oproti autorově knize Tajný život stromů , která nabízí až spiklenecký vhled do tajů lesa a jeho nejen zelených obyvatel, zde spolu informacemi o stromech vyvstávají do popředí především témata klimatu, tradičního lesnictví, politiky, ochrany divočiny. Autor vytyčuje jasnou linii a ukazuje, kde – když jde o ochranu přírody – stojí. S přidanou rázností slov a pevných stanovisk, avšak stále tónem obdivovatele těchto duchem i tělem obrovitých tvorů, stromů, mě nemusí přesvědčovat dvakrát, že jeho díla opravdu stojí za pozornost. A že jsou velmi důležitá.
December 8, 2023
Lots of interesting info. This isn’t the genre of book I typically read/listen to, so parts of it were tough to get through. Frequently the author would also say, “as I mentioned in my other book,” which I tend to feel is superfluous. But the overall message of the book is great and a good reminder that nature can do it all on their own if we don’t hinder them.
May 10, 2023
Talán az 5 csillag sem lenne túlzás, annyira behúzott a végére - az elején viszont kicsit nehezen éreztem rá, ezért adtam csak négyet. Mindenesetre ritkán olvasok azért olyan könyvet, amit azonnal mindenkinek szeretnék továbbadni, kölcsönadni, mert egyrészt nagyon jó, másrészt annyira fontosnak tartom.
Azon túl, hogy a fákról, az erdőkről és faültetvényekről is rengeteg új és érdekes infót adott, megismertette az erdőgazdálkodás idejétmúlt, mégis továbbra is világszerte jellemző és sokak - illetve hát maga a berendezkedés, a nagy rendszer - által preferált és (csúnyán mondva) túltolt valóságát. Hogy a fákra gyakorlatilag csak alapanyagként tekintünk, hogy még ha a szén-dioxid-megkötő képességét hangsúlyozzuk is, a sok-sok egyéb tulajdonságát (pl. hűtő, "esőcsináló" stb.) alig vagy egyáltalán nem. Hogy a fák, facsoportosulások az évmilliók alatt milyen elképesztő alkalmazkodóképességről tettek tanúbizonyságot. Hogy tényleg csak hagynunk kéne létezni, nőni ezeket a csodálatos teremtményeket, nem pedig a nem őshonos, akár invazív fajokat telepíteni.
Kiérezhető volt számomra határozottan a düh, az indulat a sorokból. Hogy a tudomány már mi mindent tud (amellett, hogy hangsúlyozza, mennyi mindenről fogalmunk sincs, ezért nem kéne megpiszkálni annyi mindent), és hogy mennyire magunk alatt vágjuk a fát, ha folytatjuk a mostani gyakorlatot, és az őserdőket és öreg erdőket mind kitermeljük. Bevallom, engem is feldühített a könyv, és azt éreztem, hogy ezt minden erdésznek és minden politikai döntéshozónak is olvasnia kéne, mert meggyőző érvekkel mutatja be: ha hagynánk az erdőket élni, azzal a modern világunk globális problémáira, elsősorban a klímakatasztrófára is remek választ adhatnánk.
Emellett megismerteti a szerző az olvasókat a holobiont fogalmával, megkérdőjelezi a faj mint fogalom létjogosultságát... Szóval erősen szélesíti az olvasók látókörét.
Tényleg csak ajánlani tudom mindenkinek.
Azon túl, hogy a fákról, az erdőkről és faültetvényekről is rengeteg új és érdekes infót adott, megismertette az erdőgazdálkodás idejétmúlt, mégis továbbra is világszerte jellemző és sokak - illetve hát maga a berendezkedés, a nagy rendszer - által preferált és (csúnyán mondva) túltolt valóságát. Hogy a fákra gyakorlatilag csak alapanyagként tekintünk, hogy még ha a szén-dioxid-megkötő képességét hangsúlyozzuk is, a sok-sok egyéb tulajdonságát (pl. hűtő, "esőcsináló" stb.) alig vagy egyáltalán nem. Hogy a fák, facsoportosulások az évmilliók alatt milyen elképesztő alkalmazkodóképességről tettek tanúbizonyságot. Hogy tényleg csak hagynunk kéne létezni, nőni ezeket a csodálatos teremtményeket, nem pedig a nem őshonos, akár invazív fajokat telepíteni.
Kiérezhető volt számomra határozottan a düh, az indulat a sorokból. Hogy a tudomány már mi mindent tud (amellett, hogy hangsúlyozza, mennyi mindenről fogalmunk sincs, ezért nem kéne megpiszkálni annyi mindent), és hogy mennyire magunk alatt vágjuk a fát, ha folytatjuk a mostani gyakorlatot, és az őserdőket és öreg erdőket mind kitermeljük. Bevallom, engem is feldühített a könyv, és azt éreztem, hogy ezt minden erdésznek és minden politikai döntéshozónak is olvasnia kéne, mert meggyőző érvekkel mutatja be: ha hagynánk az erdőket élni, azzal a modern világunk globális problémáira, elsősorban a klímakatasztrófára is remek választ adhatnánk.
Emellett megismerteti a szerző az olvasókat a holobiont fogalmával, megkérdőjelezi a faj mint fogalom létjogosultságát... Szóval erősen szélesíti az olvasók látókörét.
Tényleg csak ajánlani tudom mindenkinek.
February 10, 2022
Opäť veľmi pútavé čítanie s množstvom zaujímavostí, pikošiek...je to ako prechádzka po lese s priateľom, ktorý vie takmer všetko. Kráčate a on vám rozpráva, ukazuje a vysvetľuje.
A kladie otázky. Nadhadzuje myšlienky, nad ktorými zrazu začnete dumať a predtým by ste si ich možno ani neuvedomili.
Napríklad taký toaletný papier.
Od prepuknutia covidovej pandémie sa toaletný papier môže pokladať za achillovu pätu modernej civilizácie – toto podozrenie sa vynorilo pre skupovanie a nedostatok tohto výrobku na jar 2021. Toaletný papier sa vyrába z dreveného vlákna, predovšetkým z plantážových drevín ako smrek, borovica alebo eukalyptus, vhodné sú aj brezy a buky. Dôležité je len to, že ich treba spíliť a spracovať. Ochrana lesa a toaletný papier sa teda vylučujú.
Keď vezmeme do úvahy elementárne strachy, toaletný papier jednoznačne zvíťazí nad lesom.
Keď nahradíme toaletný papier napríklad stavebným drevom, nábytkom alebo knihami, jedno je jasné: ak budeme les väčšmi chrániť, ohrozíme našu civilizáciu.
Zaujímavá časť je o vlkoch, ktoré prispievajú k záchrane klímy a neprávom získali zlú povesť. Ako píše Peter, "pripúšťam, že je to trochu pritiahnuté za vlasy, keď sa vlk, táto ikona ochrany zachovania druhov, štylizuje aj ako hrdina v boji proti klimatických zmenám. Pokladám ho za dôležitú súčasť prírody a skutočne sa teším, že sa znovu usídlil vo svojej pôvodnej domovine. Vlk neprávom získava zlú povesť, keď strhne domáce zviera, lebo sa to dostane do novín..."
Alebo či je drevo skutočne ekologická surovina. Logicky neuvoľní pri spálení viac CO2 ako počas rastu prijalo... Keby však strom nezoťali, uchovalo by sa toto množstvo co2 vo forme uhlíka. navyše by strom ďalej rástol, ďalej by ukladal čoraz väčšie množstvo uhlíka.
Peter Wohlleben píše aj o odlesňovaní a zalesňovaní, o vysádzaní stromov, spracovaní dreva a biomase, klimatických zmenách. Ukazuje ako pozorovať stromy a vyznať sa v ich živote.
Wohlleben zozbieral množstvo faktov, údajov, štatistík a analýz, aby ich prerozprával pre bežného človeka, ktorého zaujíma príroda, lesy, stromy, život okolo nás.
A kladie otázky. Nadhadzuje myšlienky, nad ktorými zrazu začnete dumať a predtým by ste si ich možno ani neuvedomili.
Napríklad taký toaletný papier.
Od prepuknutia covidovej pandémie sa toaletný papier môže pokladať za achillovu pätu modernej civilizácie – toto podozrenie sa vynorilo pre skupovanie a nedostatok tohto výrobku na jar 2021. Toaletný papier sa vyrába z dreveného vlákna, predovšetkým z plantážových drevín ako smrek, borovica alebo eukalyptus, vhodné sú aj brezy a buky. Dôležité je len to, že ich treba spíliť a spracovať. Ochrana lesa a toaletný papier sa teda vylučujú.
Keď vezmeme do úvahy elementárne strachy, toaletný papier jednoznačne zvíťazí nad lesom.
Keď nahradíme toaletný papier napríklad stavebným drevom, nábytkom alebo knihami, jedno je jasné: ak budeme les väčšmi chrániť, ohrozíme našu civilizáciu.
Zaujímavá časť je o vlkoch, ktoré prispievajú k záchrane klímy a neprávom získali zlú povesť. Ako píše Peter, "pripúšťam, že je to trochu pritiahnuté za vlasy, keď sa vlk, táto ikona ochrany zachovania druhov, štylizuje aj ako hrdina v boji proti klimatických zmenám. Pokladám ho za dôležitú súčasť prírody a skutočne sa teším, že sa znovu usídlil vo svojej pôvodnej domovine. Vlk neprávom získava zlú povesť, keď strhne domáce zviera, lebo sa to dostane do novín..."
Alebo či je drevo skutočne ekologická surovina. Logicky neuvoľní pri spálení viac CO2 ako počas rastu prijalo... Keby však strom nezoťali, uchovalo by sa toto množstvo co2 vo forme uhlíka. navyše by strom ďalej rástol, ďalej by ukladal čoraz väčšie množstvo uhlíka.
Peter Wohlleben píše aj o odlesňovaní a zalesňovaní, o vysádzaní stromov, spracovaní dreva a biomase, klimatických zmenách. Ukazuje ako pozorovať stromy a vyznať sa v ich živote.
Wohlleben zozbieral množstvo faktov, údajov, štatistík a analýz, aby ich prerozprával pre bežného človeka, ktorého zaujíma príroda, lesy, stromy, život okolo nás.
September 14, 2023
we're not surprised to learn that a radical and urgent change in behavior and in the way we apprehend our environment is necessary. But I really liked Peter Wohllenben's pedagogical approach, which focuses on what we can do to protect our environment. As well as explaining the roles of trees and forests in our daily lives.
This book is a fabulous journey into the heart of the forest, this network and this intergenerational community of unsuspected power.
did you know that forests help to regulate temperature, cool areas and produce oxygen through photosynthesis, as well as storing CO2 and transforming it into water and sugar to help them survive the winter? As I reread these explanations, I compared my life in Paris (a city very, very poor in vegetation) during the heatwave to my life in Montreal (a very green city) during the heatwave, and there's no comparison: I'd been missing out on this fabulous power of trees (among many others) all this time?
did you know that the forest sucks in fresh ocean air to bring rain even miles from the ocean where trees lack water, thus countering drought?
did you know that trees pass on information and knowledge about their environment between generations?
did you know trees nurse their offsprings like us humans?
I've underlined many passages in this book, but the definition of madness particularly struck me: "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome". Isn't that what we've been doing year after year?
there's also a very interesting passage on the food chain and the link with the forest and the hunt. If you're at all sensitive to the subject of hunting, I urge you to read this passage!
In the end, the main message is that trees are capable of adapting to what’s to come, but they need time to do so, and we need to let the forests play their role and stop this interventionism in ecosystems that those in power don't understand.
“What’s important is that we finally accept that the trees themselves know best how to rebuilt their ancient ecosystems”
I beg you, if you're not yet convinced that the climate emergency is real, read this book.
This book is a fabulous journey into the heart of the forest, this network and this intergenerational community of unsuspected power.
did you know that forests help to regulate temperature, cool areas and produce oxygen through photosynthesis, as well as storing CO2 and transforming it into water and sugar to help them survive the winter? As I reread these explanations, I compared my life in Paris (a city very, very poor in vegetation) during the heatwave to my life in Montreal (a very green city) during the heatwave, and there's no comparison: I'd been missing out on this fabulous power of trees (among many others) all this time?
did you know that the forest sucks in fresh ocean air to bring rain even miles from the ocean where trees lack water, thus countering drought?
did you know that trees pass on information and knowledge about their environment between generations?
did you know trees nurse their offsprings like us humans?
I've underlined many passages in this book, but the definition of madness particularly struck me: "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome". Isn't that what we've been doing year after year?
there's also a very interesting passage on the food chain and the link with the forest and the hunt. If you're at all sensitive to the subject of hunting, I urge you to read this passage!
In the end, the main message is that trees are capable of adapting to what’s to come, but they need time to do so, and we need to let the forests play their role and stop this interventionism in ecosystems that those in power don't understand.
“What’s important is that we finally accept that the trees themselves know best how to rebuilt their ancient ecosystems”
I beg you, if you're not yet convinced that the climate emergency is real, read this book.
June 12, 2022
Tja, dubbel. Enerzijds interessant, beschrijving van bosecosystemen en hoe alle elementen op elkaar inwerken. Aan de andere kant erg activistisch beschreven, en soms ook wat zweverig, alsof de bomen bewustzijn hebben en zelf keuzes maken. Wel goed beeld van hoe bosbouwsector invloed heeft op bosbeheer en dat mede daardoor vaak keuzes worden gemaakt die het bestaande ecosysteem langzaam ondermijnen. Bv aanplant naaldhout, weinig ruimte bieden aan spontane opslag, onvoldoende waardering voor klimaatwetenschap bos (verkoeling, water vasthouden, beinvloeding (lokale) klimaat.
February 21, 2024
The more I read books by Peter Wohlleben, the obsessed I am with trees, for it is becoming more and more clear to me that we are the cusp of the true great age of discovery. We have the tools, and more importantly, the beginnings of the change of Mindset which are required to discover what trees are, how they operate, how they live together, how they thrive in a changing world, and best of all, what we can do to stay out of their way. In addition, we are starting to accurately count the costs and benefits of forests, of the dangers of traditional Forestry (including within National Parks?!?), and how the hubris of man must simply step aside. "The forests will return, and wouldn't it be nice if humans were still around to enjoy them".
July 23, 2023
I would say more 3.5 stars it’s definitely a good book has lots of interesting and important things. I found some of the chapters a little bit all over the place and occasionally the writing style was really difficult to read. I know it’s translated but still. although, I’m thankful that he states his positionallity within Germany. Occasionally his bias, and the soul focus on the German forestry system became a bit redundant and harder to see some of the information into a global context.
August 11, 2023
This is an interesting, provocative take on how to proceed. The opposite of many forester scientists with their computer modeling schemes. If we really knew exactly what to do, wouldn't we have done things to prevent getting where we are right now? Mr. Wohlleben gives clear information on the capacities of forests, as in wilderness areas, not tree plantations. They could hold the key to to keeping things cooler, and better climate outcomes generally.
Makes me wonder what if every city block had one 50' x 100' mini-forest? Would we all be a bit cooler and would there be more moisture? Definitely do not divvy up dying golf courses into housing - let them become wilderness areas. We need rain water to be able to seep to thirsty roots, even in dense cities, instead of completely being shunted away in storm drains.
Makes me wonder what if every city block had one 50' x 100' mini-forest? Would we all be a bit cooler and would there be more moisture? Definitely do not divvy up dying golf courses into housing - let them become wilderness areas. We need rain water to be able to seep to thirsty roots, even in dense cities, instead of completely being shunted away in storm drains.
July 29, 2025
3.5. A bit repetitive, but the message bears repeating. Planting "forests" is like industrial farming, it is actually timber farming. Forests are families, there are mothers and children, there is nurturing, education, learning. We (humans) are disrupting them and killing ourselves in the process.
January 25, 2024
Sick ass book fr
July 9, 2024
A fantastic follow up to "The Hidden Life of Trees, " providing even more insight into trees and their lives and their connection to so much of nature, including us. Great points and good data presentation while still being an interesting read. Wohlleben does such a great job of making these concepts understandable and relatable for all. Looking forward to what his next work might be!
August 4, 2023
Er is nog werk aan de winkel, maar minder vlees en inheemse loofbomen planten in je eigen hof, is al een stap in de goede richting.
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November 4, 2024🌳🌲🍂🌱🍄🌿🪵🍁♥️
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