One Last Shot to Protect Old-Growth Forests in British Columbia | TJ Watt | TEDxVictoria

With stunning imagery and passionate storytelling, photographer, big tree hunter, and National Geographic Explorer TJ Watt shares why we must protect endangered old-growth forests in British Columbia, Canada, while also transitioning to a more sustainable, value-added second-growth forest industry instead. Watt is a co-founder, campaigner, and photographer with the Ancient Forest Alliance and was named a National Geographic and Royal Canadian Geographical Society Explorer after receiving support from the Trebek Initiative. His award-winning imagery of the beauty and destruction of old-growth forests continues to play a pivotal role in raising widespread awareness of the need to protect them, helping to safeguard renowned areas such as the Avatar Grove near Port Renfrew. Join him on a remarkable journey through some of the grandest rainforests on Earth, where trees can live to be more than a thousand years old. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@tristangibson5956]

Legend! Much love for what you're doing, you have my support

[@antipodesman2]

In 1970 I worked in the valley of Brown's Creek on the east side of Vancouver Island. It had been logged some years before. I hadn't paid much attention but it was pointed out to me that the stumps were suspended 10 to 20 feet in the air by a massive root system throughout the entire valley. It was apparent that a million years of soil accumulation had been washed into the sea in just a few seasons. There were thousands of valleys just like Brown's Creek. Is there any wonder why regenerated forest will never match the old growth stands.

[@PatriciaTrentini]

Thanks TJ Watt for continuing your crusade to protect our old growth forests. It is truly an Invaluable mission & we thank you & all those involved!!!!

[@marksimkin8103]

This is a great talk, TJ. We did an ancient forest tour with TJ a few years ago, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. Everyone should go to Avatar Grove or somewhere like it. Cutting down these forests would become unthinkable.

[@jamesking5131]

As a Geography student at UVIC, and spending many many hours working and playing in the forests of port Renfrew, we cannot stress the protection of the forests enough. TJ, you are a huge inspiration!

[@HelenaRollt]

Thank you for being out there and doing the work 🌲❤

[@wvargasski]

When I think about all the big old growth forest I will never see or my kid, it makes me wanna cry. I almost don't want to think about it. I've been building hiking and biking trails for almost two decades, some amongst old trees. I hope that my trails are popular enough to protect the trees they swerve between. Keep it up TJ

[@keithgourlay254]

Thanks for spreading the word, beautifully put and so on-point. There's no excuse for logging ancient forests.

[@rockybockymountaingoat1438]

Thank you and ancient forest alliance for all the hard work that you do, I have so much admiration for your team. It makes me so upset what bc is doing to the old growth

[@trisbacon2410]

Very good talk, necessary for people in BC to hear this and wake up to the tragedies that are happening every day when these forests are cut down. They are truly wonderful, immense and primordial. Try combining those three words for anything else...

[@sidewalkcellist]

Thank you for this 💚 I could not agree more.

[@koma4050]

Logging old growth forests should be illegal and violators should be prosecuted with imprisonment. These forests are sacred and must be treated as such but they’re still being logged as TJ mentioned. It’s heartbreaking and very frustrating to see this destruction continue. 🌲 🌿

[@NicJDV27]

Great talk! The BC and federal government needs to wake up!

[@koma4050]

2030 is too late to protect these areas, there needs to be immediate action. Governments change their policies all the time and often without notice.

[@m.halcyon5772]

What is being done to change policy to protect big trees? And how do people support your project? And what celebrities have you contacted to support the project and take photos with these trees?

[@helenutsal6620]

These forests should belong to all canadians. It's a crime that they are sold off so unconscionably

[@martymcglame7781]

Something that doesn't seem to be brought up or asked: how many of our "out of control forest fires" each year happen in old growth forests? My bet is few to none!

[@richardthut7071]

I agree i tried to stop old growth logging year's ago when the second growth was coming on line but no they shut down most of saw mills and extorted the second growth sad i mean it is not like the was to go anywhere believe i seen it i livd it there was warmth there and cheater as i made eye contact with all that lived there trust me ......

[@richardthut7071]

Yes it is sad that we don't stop and think once in a while mother earth is gonna turn us all into stone some time

[@CapturingInTheWild]

It feels hopeless 😢

[@Palumbo-v8t]

The government has no right to destroy these forests. The beauty and magnificence of these forests are censored in the media to protect the corporations who control these lands. My guess is that the vast majority of these places that still exist will sadly be lost before 2030.

[@martymcglame7781]

I will NOT vote for NDP while they are still allowing ANY old growth logging.

[@lorettescott1862]

In a word …..Greed