5 ms·

I understand your point that planting trees doesn't 1:1 compensate the ecosystems destroyed. I just have a nitpick on the delivery: The overall theme of your c

by _xivi 3y ago

I understand your point that planting trees doesn't 1:1 compensate the ecosystems destroyed. I just have a nitpick on the delivery: The overall theme of your comment was criticizing planting trees and how it's "problematic" but spreading this message isn't constructive, it just paralyzes the ones trying to help, leading to a net negative.

MrVandemar 3y ago
Well, yes I'm here to point out the greenwash, and attempt to get people to think critically. The problem with these "tree-planting" programmes is they're rooted in simple economic thinking. Mostly along the lines of "Area X is being cleared because my generous donors need to build a factory which will be good for jobs and growth" ... followed by ... "Well, let's plant trees in Area Y, which will offset the damage and give everyone the green warm fuzzies. Win/Win!" This is how they think. Critical thinking means asking questions. What's the survival rate? What range of species? What are you doing to halt land clearing? etc. Because for every linear inch you think they give, they are taking a square mile and making money from it. Asking those questions is not paralysis, it's direct action, it's the start of actual accountability. And the solution for any paralysis is simple: go plant a seedling (or fund some specific person who will). Aside: I asked the marginalia guy if he could add something to his search engine, and he did (which was amazing!). I don't have a lot of money and I really wanted to do something for him, so I planted a seedling. I think it was $1. It's out there on my place, growing. It's Summer right now and I've spent quite a few hot days lugging heavy watering-cans long distances to keep it, and other seedlings planted at the same time, alive. In 10 years it'll be a tree (or dead, these things happen).

5 ms·

I understand your point that planting trees doesn't 1:1 compensate the ecosystems destroyed. I just have a nitpick on the delivery: The overall theme of your c

by _xivi 3y ago

MrVandemar 3y ago
Well, yes I'm here to point out the greenwash, and attempt to get people to think critically. The problem with these "tree-planting" programmes is they're rooted in simple economic thinking. Mostly along the lines of "Area X is being cleared because my generous donors need to build a factory which will be good for jobs and growth" ... followed by ... "Well, let's plant trees in Area Y, which will offset the damage and give everyone the green warm fuzzies. Win/Win!" This is how they think. Critical thinking means asking questions. What's the survival rate? What range of species? What are you doing to halt land clearing? etc. Because for every linear inch you think they give, they are taking a square mile and making money from it. Asking those questions is not paralysis, it's direct action, it's the start of actual accountability. And the solution for any paralysis is simple: go plant a seedling (or fund some specific person who will). Aside: I asked the marginalia guy if he could add something to his search engine, and he did (which was amazing!). I don't have a lot of money and I really wanted to do something for him, so I planted a seedling. I think it was $1. It's out there on my place, growing. It's Summer right now and I've spent quite a few hot days lugging heavy watering-cans long distances to keep it, and other seedlings planted at the same time, alive. In 10 years it'll be a tree (or dead, these things happen).