Coal saved trees. Really.

Sustainability is complicated.

In recent times, climate activism in Britain, such as Extinction Rebellion, or the German counterpart that recently invaded a Formula E (?) race, have called for an end to fossil fuels. However, these protesters fail to acknowledge the role fossil fuels played in the rejuvenation and conservation of the British outdoors. Deforestation was rampant until the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions, which led to a decline in wood burning and a subsequent regrowth of forests. The discovery of oil and coal further reduced wood burning and contributed to the growth of new trees.?

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, wood was the primary source of energy for heating, cooking, and lighting. This reliance on wood led to significant deforestation in Britain, with forestry coverage declining from over ninety percent in 2,000 BCE to only four percent by 1760. The increased demand for wood, coupled with inefficient burning methods, resulted in environmental degradation and loss of habitat.

The widespread adoption of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, brought about a significant shift in energy consumption patterns. Between 1860 and 1920, wood burning for fuel saw a remarkable seventy-two percent drop as fossil fuels became the dominant energy source. This shift played a crucial role in reducing deforestation and allowing forests to regenerate.

Furthermore, the use of fossil fuels brought about economic transformations that indirectly contributed to forest conservation. The Industrial Revolution spurred rapid urbanization and the development of agriculture, which led to more efficient land use practices and decreased pressure on forests for agricultural expansion. As crop rotations became more prevalent and industrialized cities drew people away from rural areas, the rate of deforestation slowed, allowing forests to recover.

While deforestation remains a pressing issue in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical regions like the Amazon, it is important to recognize the different factors at play. In regions where deforestation is rampant, it often stems from a Tragedy of the Commons problem, with weak enforcement of environmental regulations and illegal logging activities driven by corrupt practices. Strengthening governance and enforcing property rights, as seen in Britain, could provide a pathway to mitigating deforestation.

Moreover, the Industrial Revolution not only transformed energy consumption patterns but also shaped cultural attitudes towards nature. Romantic thinkers like John Keats and William Blake celebrated the rejuvenated natural beauty of the reforested English countryside, which was made possible by the cleaner environment brought about by the industrial use of fossil fuels. The newfound love and reverence for nature led to the development of philosophical and literary traditions that emphasized nature's importance and advocated for its preservation.

While it is imperative to address the environmental challenges associated with fossil fuels and transition to cleaner energy sources, it is crucial to acknowledge the historical context and the positive contributions of fossil fuels in forest conservation. Recognizing the role they played in enabling human prosperity, nature's recovery, and the development of environmental consciousness can provide a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between energy sources, economic stability, and environmental conservation.