Planting Trees Isn't Enough to Prevent Climate Change

In his latest State of the Union address, President Trump spoke at length about the things that he considers proof of American greatness. But proposing to plant a trillion trees while simultaneously cutting down Alaska’s pristine national forest is not a solution. Without action to conserve more of our land, the things that make this country great are imperiled by unchecked growth and development. 

There are some places that quietly support our lives that are easy to take for granted. Here in Alaska, I like to take people to the tundra and show them the magic of the miniature forests that blanket the land and provide food and habitat for the salmon, wildlife, and people of the Bristol Bay. In it, I see an important lesson for all of this beautiful country.