In this episode of Nature Breaking, host Seth Larson sits down with Linda Walker, WWF’s senior director of corporate engagement for forests, to explore the urgent threats to global forests and the role of business in helping reverse current trends.

Last month, alarming new data were released showing record-breaking tropical forest loss in 2024—an 80% increase over the previous year. Forests are critical to our planet and to us as humans, so we need to double down on efforts to stop the loss of forests where possible and more responsibly manage forests that are earmarked for production. Businesses have a big role to play because 54% of the world’s forests are managed either wholly or partly for the production of things like timber, pulp and paper, and furniture. This interview dives into how some companies are already making a difference, including by participating in Forests Forward—WWF’s flagship program for corporate leadership on forests launched in 2021. Linda and Seth also discuss what a new report, the Forests Forward Impact Report, reveals about the program’s progress and the challenges ahead.

🎧 Tune in to hear inspiring stories from the field, insights into responsible forest management, and how everyday actions—by companies and consumers—can help keep forests thriving.

Links for More Info:

Linda Walker bio

Forests Forward Impact Report

WWF’s Forests Forward program

BLOG: Global Forest Watch data shows alarming rate of forest loss

Chapters:

0:00 Preview

0:25 Intro

2:09 Linda’s favorite forest memories

5:54 Global deforestation and the role of companies in managing forests

10:56 WWF’s Forests Forward program

21:11 Impacts of the program

24:09 HP example

27:16 Interholco example

30:39 Reasons for hope

33:57 How all of us can help protect forests

36:57 Outro

As the school year ends and the summer season begins, it’s time to think about how to integrate nature into your summer plans. In this edition of Nature Breaking’s “Headlines & Trendlines” series, hosts Seth Larson and Hayley Lawton share personal stories and practical tips for weaving nature into your everyday life. From backyard camping and local wildlife refuges to dream destinations like Yosemite and the Great Barrier Reef, this episode is full of ideas that are inspiring and doable—whether you’re planning a big trip or just want to make the most of your weekends.

Plus, we’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite ways to connect with nature during the summer? Drop a comment or email us at news@wwfus.org.

Listen in and get inspired to make this your most nature-filled summer yet.

Chapters:

0:00 Preview

0:26 Intro

2:00 Seth & Hayley’s childhood nature experiences

6:27 Simple ways to connect with nature close to home

10:20 Bucket-list nature destinations

12:39 Outro

Ahead of World Oceans Day and the UN Ocean Conference, this episode of Nature Breaking explores how local communities are leading the charge in ocean conservation. Join host Seth Larson and WWF’s Shauna Mahajan as they dive into the challenges and opportunities facing the Western Indian Ocean seascape—from climate change and overfishing to innovative community-led solutions.

Shauna shares inspiring stories of how coastal communities in places like Tanzania and Madagascar are using tools like microfinance and co-management to protect marine ecosystems, support sustainable development, and build climate resilience. Learn how the open-source tool Elinor is helping track and improve conservation governance, and why community-led conservation is key to achieving global goals like the 30x30 target.

📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support ocean conservation!

Links for More Info:

Shauna Mahajan bio

Southwest Indian Ocean Seascape

Elinor monitoring tool

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Preview

0:24 Intro

1:56 Shauna’s background

3:51 Western Indian Ocean seascape

6:46 Ingredients for successful community-led ocean initiatives

14:44 Elinor monitoring tool

20:47 The need for sustainable finance

26:30 UN Ocean Conference

28:09 Closing thoughts

29:47 Outro