A Forest Under the Tree

LET THERE BE A FOREST UNDER THE TREE

On the other side of the window, like swan feathers, large lazy flakes of snow are falling. Peace. The grime of the big city is covered in white. The street, the square, the air is clean. It’s as if we are living normally, like decades ago, when at this time of year, the sharpest student in school would shout “snow!!!” and the whole class would rush to the windows, leaving everything behind.

Such experiences are becoming rarer. While here the snowfall changes pace and starts to pour, meanwhile, the Arctic ice sea has shrunk from 6 million km2 to below 4 over the four years since I last saw cotton-like flakes falling from the sky from my desk. Twenty-one Hungarys’ worth of ice, often 10-20-30 meters thick, has melted into the world’s oceans. An equally reduced white surface reflects the sun’s rays from the Earth’s surface and absorbs the incoming heat. The process is not linear but exponential. No scientist can precisely predict what will result from this.

But now, let’s enjoy the snow! It’s beautiful and atmospheric. Precipitation, a blessing, which may seem abundant, but in this drying Carpathian Basin landscape, it won’t be for a long time. We, the 10 million Tree People, are already preparing for Christmas, although there is still much to plant. We await the holiday because, like the snow now, it promises Peace, a few days of letting go, family, and laughter.

What could be the best gift? – we ask ourselves this question year after year. More piles of socks and ties for dad, the son? A blender or colorful stockings for mom? Wouldn’t something be better that goes beyond the grudging decisions, the routine, and is good for both the giver and the receiver, and good for everyone living on this Earth?

For years, we here at 10 Million Trees have offered the suggestion to buy a tree as a gift. Not just the orphaned little firs grown for this purpose on the Zala pine plantations, but a drought-resistant native tree that, when planted, could still commemorate this Christmas 100-150 years from now.

However, for some time now, we have raised the stakes. The dramatically changing reality compels us to do so. One tree is not enough! Perhaps as a gift, but from a climate and biodiversity protection perspective, it is no longer sufficient. Those who look seriously and responsibly to the future buy a forest. We are currently conducting forest planting in Monorierdő, and those who would place a forest under the tree today will have it planted there by us together.

It’s not true that you can’t see the forest for the trees! You can, and indeed you must. It’s not true that a forest can’t fit under the tree. Trust in 10 Million Trees, and give it a try! Buy a forest for yourself, your children, the future, your homeland. You name the beneficiary, yet we will all enjoy the blessing of your decision.

In the coming days, our campaign related to this will launch, as we finalize details with the angels. In the meantime, you can inquire at 10milliofa@10milliofa.hu.

Let There Be a Forest Under the Tree! Merry Christmas!