Prevent tree extinctions or face global ecological catastrophe, scientists warn

New paper issues 'warning to humanity' as it calls for urgent action to protect world's 60,000 tree speciesScientists have issued an urgent "warning to humanity" about the global impact of tree extinctions.A new paper predicts severe consequences for people, wildlife and the planet's ecosystems if the widespread loss of trees continues. "Last year, we published the State of the World's Trees report, where we showed at least 17,500 tree species, about a third of the world's 60,000 tree species, are at risk of extinction," said Malin Rivers, lead author of the paper and head of conservation prioritisation at Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). "Now we want to highlight why it matters that so many tree species are going extinct. Continue reading...