Mike Korchinsky, Project Developer, REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation); Founder and CEO, Wildlife Works
TJ DiCaprio, Senior Director, Environmental Sustainability, Microsoft Corporation
Sissel Waage, Director of Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services, Business for Social Responsibility

Forests are some of the most important life systems on the planet. As carbon sponges, they help combat global warming by neutralizing the impacts of pollution worldwide. At a local level, they provide valuable resources to indigenous communities, such as clean water and protection from flood and drought. Yet they continue to be destroyed for agriculture, urban development and energy production. First World demands for coffee, corn and oil keep the fate of the planet’s forests in constant flux.

This past August, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa abandoned a plan to save the Yasuni rainforest, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Meanwhile, climate change mitigation strategies like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) are helping to protect millions of forest acres in the Congo, Kenya and Brazil. Though some corporations see forests as places to extract resources, Microsoft and others see conservation as a way to offset pollution.

Are trees worth more standing or cut down? Can we protect the forests and still support economic development to lift countries out of poverty? Join us for a conversation about the struggle between dollars and deforestation in the journey to create a more sustainable future.

Also know: The speakers and audience will be videotaped for future broadcast on the Climate One TV show on KRCB TV 22 on Comcast and DirecTV.