ABC’s “The Forest” chronicles the fascinating, and slightly embarrassing, saga of ecologist Tom Crowther and his ambitious, yet ultimately flawed, plan to save the planet one trillion trees at a time. Remember that whole “plant a trillion trees” campaign? Turns out, it wasn’t quite the silver bullet everyone hoped for. This documentary pulls back the curtain on the unintended consequences of that well-intentioned, but ultimately simplistic, approach.
The film follows Crowther’s initial burst of optimism as his big data analysis suggested a straightforward solution to climate change: plant a boatload of trees. Initially, the idea was lauded, sparking a global movement. However, “The Forest” doesn’t shy away from the messy realities that followed. Turns out, simply carpeting the earth with monoculture forests – courtesy of eager corporations looking for a quick PR boost – isn’t exactly great for the environment. Who knew? (Besides, you know, actual ecologists.)
“The Forest” tracks Crowther’s shift from tree-planting evangelist to advocate for a more nuanced approach. Now, he champions biodiversity as the key to effective climate action. The documentary showcases the crucial role of healthy, diverse forests in capturing carbon, regulating water cycles, and supporting a whole web of life, unlike those sterile corporate tree farms.
The film isn’t just about Crowther’s personal journey. It also features the research of scientists across the globe, from the forests of France to the rainforests of Costa Rica. We get a glimpse into the intricate workings of these ecosystems, from the hidden world of fungal networks to the bustling biodiversity of the forest canopy. “The Forest” reminds us that nature is complicated, and simplistic solutions rarely work.
“The Forest” airs Monday, December 16, 2024, at 8:30 pm on ABC and is available to stream on ABC iview.
“The Forest” is a Windfall Films production for ABC. Executive producers include Carlo Massarella, Tom Cook, and Cate Burren.
