The Guardian. August 3, 2021. This article seems particularly relevant to forestry-dependent economies like ours, but it also contains principles that are relevant for everyone. “Everything is connected” seems to be an ecological truism. If we impact one factor in the intricate webs to which we belong, we may negatively impact others. Tree-planting is nothing new on Vancouver Island nor elsewhere in BC. Originally begun only to ensure the perpetuity of our domestic forest industry (and our economic dependence on it), more recently it is heralded as a tool for combating climate change by sequestering carbon and increasing urban and/or planetary cooling. So when you read the article subheading: “Over-reliance on tree-planting to offset carbon emissions could push food prices up 80% by 2050” you may be excused if you think, “uh-oh.” Which makes it important not to miss an unstated conclusion of the article: don’t be fooled by false dichotomies. Look for alternate solutions to problems that can bring benefits without the loss. In this case, reduce carbon emissions. Which seems a principle that could usefully be applied in many areas, locally as well as globally. Meanwhile, reducing carbon emissions can be a individual and collective strategy for all of us. [ARTICLE LINK]