NI 491 - April, 2016

Last stand - Saving the world's forests

A note from the editor

Time to stop the plunder

One of my vivid boyhood memories is of scrambling amongst granite outcrops of the Canadian Shield in the shimmering heat of a July afternoon.

I emerged from the forest into mottled sunshine and stretched out on flat, lichen-covered rocks, high above the black waters of a quiet lake. Stately white pines touched the sky. Underfoot was a cushion of sharply perfumed pine needles. The air was calm.

That moment of perfection emerges still on those rare occasions when I am able to venture into the woods. But the truth is that like many of us in our modern world I’m a city guy. Most of the trees I encounter are in my local park.

And that’s a problem. Because we’re losing our intimate relationship and understanding of forests as the world urbanizes. We don’t see the clear-cut hillsides, the splintered stumps and the plunder. They are outside our field of vision. Partly this stems from our mistaken sense that the natural wealth of the planet is boundless and inexhaustible. But this is folly.

As this month’s Big Story argues, we can no longer afford to cut-and-run. The forces that are destroying the world’s last ancient forests need to be resisted, and the communities whose lives and culture are rooted there, defended. At stake is nothing less than the ability of the land, water and wildlife to provide for future generations.

Elsewhere in this issue we welcome the return of New Zealand-based contributor, John F Schumaker, who explains the difference between depression and demoralization in our modern consumer culture.

Wayne Ellwood for the New Internationalist co-operative.
www.newint.org

The big story

Stumped: a young boy surveys the remains of giant conifers on a mist-shrouded inlet in the US Pacific northwest.

RooM the Agency/Alamy

NI 491 - April, 2016

Last stand - Saving the world's forests

A note from the editor

Time to stop the plunder

The big story

The world’s last great woodlands are fast disappearing – with untold consequences for the environment and for us. Time to stop the destruction, argues Wayne Ellwood.

Features

It happens every year: thousands of hectares of Indonesian rainforest are torched to clear land for palm oil, timber and other agribusiness operations. It’s a perfect storm of destruction. Nithin Coca reports from Sumatra.

Escaping the pressures of modern life in Japan. By Tina Burrett and Christopher Simons.

Sustainable forestry may be an oxymoron. Chris Lang finds some holes in the system.

Facts and figures about trees and forests, from carbon control to biodiversity.

Forest communities are under siege in Cambodia, says Fran Lambrick.

Diana Beresford-Kroeger unveils the hidden bio-chemistry of trees.

Dominik Sipiński reports on the rise of a nationalist Poland.

Good for corporations, but what about the pupils? Adam Unwin and John Yandell consider the impact of edu-businesses.

Web exclusives

When looking at the Middle East, all attention is focused on Syria right now, writes Sophia Akram.

From France to Iceland, two seemingly disparate movements converge around the same dream, writes Jamie Kelsey-Fry.

Opinion

Steve Parry explains why politicians and the internet don't get on.

Don't listen to the cynics - Mark Engler thinks activists should pat themselves on the back.

Agenda

Rose Bridger on the threat of an aerotropolis on Jeju Island.

Finland's poor record on animal rights is threatening its reputation as a civilized, ethical country. Kelsi Farrington reports.

Chris Brazier remembers the editorial contributions of David Ransom.

Sabita Banerji on improving tea workers' lives.

Richard Swift introduces Portugal's 'Caterina the Great'.

UN warning must be heeded, writes Iris Gonzales.

Giedre Steikunaite considers the importance of the Palestine Marathon.

Klara Sikorova bemoans the destruction of communities in Georgia caused by big hydropower projects.

Trade agreements could threaten Keystone protester victory, writes Colin Roche.

Hazel Healy reports on an innovation that could help women in Iran.

Good news stories this month.

Regulars

Praise, blame and all points in between? Your feedback published in the April 2016 magazine.

2 December 1946 – 14 February 2016

Cartoon by Simon Kneebone.

Jan Rocha on the challenges and paradoxes in one of the world's most unequal countries.

John F Schumaker asks how we can treat our sick culture and make ourselves well.

Cartoon by P J Polyp

Hawkish Hillary is a friend of bankers and warmongers, despite her Democratic credentials.

Trust between communities is being rebuilt, writes Ruby Diamonde.

Cartoon by Marc Roberts

Comedian Shazia Mirza reveals her inspirations, fears and political passions.

Film, Book & Music Reviews

Dheepan, directed by Jacques Audiard; The Measure of a Man, directed by Stéphane Brizé; Our Little Sister, directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu.

Forever Is 4 You by Malawi Mouse Boys; Wa Di Yo by Lakou Mizik.

Angry White People by Hsiao-Hung Pai; A Girl in Exile by Ismail Kadare; The Egyptians: A Radical Story by Jack Shenker; How Did We Get Into This Mess? by George Monbiot.

More reviews from the April 2016 magazine.

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