The Rise and Fall of Civilizations was Written in Their Forests |
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Dear {{First Name}},
History has a way of whispering before it starts shouting. Long before climate reports, satellites, or computer models, entire civilizations left behind a record of what happens when forests disappear. Cities flourished.
Empires expanded.
Trees fell.
Then the water changed.
The soil weakened.
The climate became less forgiving.
And societies that once seemed unstoppable began to struggle. It is the story John Perlin has spent decades uncovering.
This Saturday, July 18, internationally acclaimed author and forest historian John Perlin will join Bio4Climate for a remarkable conversation exploring one of the most overlooked drivers of civilization itself—forests.
His groundbreaking book, A Forest Journey, has changed the way scientists, historians, and environmental leaders understand the relationship between forests and human civilization. Drawing from thousands of years of history, John reveals a pattern that has repeated itself across cultures and continents. When forests were protected, societies prospered. When forests were exhausted, the consequences reached far beyond the loss of trees. |
Forests: Past, Present, Future Saturday, July 18
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET Free | on Zoom |
Today, as we face rising temperatures, drought, wildfires, and disappearing ecosystems, John's work invites us to ask an important question:
Are we seeing history repeat itself? This conversation is an opportunity to understand the choices before us today through the lens of thousands of years of human experience.
If you've ever wondered why forests matter far beyond biodiversity...
If you've ever wanted to understand the deeper connections between forests, water, climate, and civilization...
If you've ever believed that history still has something to teach us...
This conversation is for you.
John will be joined by Felix Finkbeiner, founder of Plant-for-the-Planet, who planted his first tree at just nine years old, sparking what would become the global Plant-for-the-Planet movement. For nearly two decades, Felix has inspired millions of young people around the world to help restore forests and champion climate action.
Together, John and Felix offer a rare multigenerational perspective on the past, present, and future of our forests.
Whether you're already involved in ecological restoration or simply curious to learn more, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of the choices past civilizations made in stewarding their forests—and fresh insight into the choices we can make today to help forests and communities flourish together.
We hope you'll join us for this timely and inspiring conversation. |
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This conversation goes beyond most climate discussions. During this event, you will:
Discover how forests influenced the rise—and decline—of civilizations throughout history Understand why forests remain essential for climate stability, biodiversity, and healthy water cycles
Learn about emerging movements in forest protection, restoration, and proforestation Hear directly from leaders working at the intersection of history, ecology, and climate action
Engage in live discussion and Q&A Leave with practical ways to support forest stewardship and restoration efforts
This event is free and open to the public. Whether you're already deeply engaged in restoration or just beginning your journey, this is a place where you can refine your actions into meaningful impact.
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This conversation grows through people like you. We'd love your help sharing this on social media. Plus, if you know someone interested in forests, history, climate, or restoration, we’d be grateful if you shared this event with them. |
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The Mini-Conference Series |
This event is part of Bio4Climate's Mini-Conference Series, exploring the many ways that forests and other ecosystems cool the planet and influence our lives, economies, well-being, water cycles, and climate.
Throughout the series, you'll hear from members of the Living Climate Community, including Bio4Climate Advisors and leading restoration practitioners working at the forefront of ecological solutions.
These experts will provide practical solutions on what you can do to protect and restore our ecosystems to regulate the climate and keep the temperatures cool and livable.
Previous Session:
The Power of Forests & Water: Creating Rain and the Global Circulation of Moisture |
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Philip Bogdonoff Board President | Co-Host, Mini-Conference Series |
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