Experts warn that a “ecosystem collapse”—where trees abruptly fade and die—may occur within 50 years.

However, the 42 experts advised us to act immediately to prevent the disaster.

In continental Europe and North America, extensive forest loss due to “wind, fire, pests, and disease” has already occurred.

According to Dr. Eleanor Tew of Forestry England and Cambridge University, “a collapsed forest would be heart-breaking, devoid of its essential life and all the joy and benefits it gives to humanity.”

However, she added that we know how to strengthen our forests’ resilience “so they can continue to thrive for future generations” and that we still have time to make a difference.

‘Super forest’ created with 1,000-year-old oaks: an odd rescue effort for the UK’s rainforests