Why is defending forests so deadly?

Published: June 17, 2024, 8:40 a.m.

Someone dies every other day protecting the environment, according to data gathered by the campaign group, Global Witness. Even higher numbers of people are attacked or threatened.

To understand why this is happening, the BBC\u2019s East and Central Europe Correspondent, Nick Thorpe travels to the foothills of the Carpathians in Romania, to show us how important the forests there are in fighting climate change, why they\u2019re subject to high levels of illegal logging and consequently, clashes with environmentalists. One activist, Gabriel P\u0103un of Agent Green, describes the numerous and brutal attacks he\u2019s experiences whilst out documenting illegal logging. We also hear from a mother, whose son was murdered when he confronted a \u2018wood thief\u2019 in 2019. Laura Furones from Global Witness tells host Graihagh Jackson why this is happening around the world and what we can do about it.

Got a question, comment or experience you\u2019d like to share? Email: TheClimateQuestion@BBC.com

Produced and presented by Graihagh Jackson. Additional production by Osman Iqbal.\nEditor: Simon Watts \nMixing: Tom Brignell