Why 70 Forest Cover Is Key to Sustainable Cities

In this Q&A, Geoff explains why 70% forest cover within human settlements is a game-changer. From maximising food per square meter to reconnecting urban areas with surrounding forest ecosystems, this is a blueprint for stable, resilient, and abundant communities.

Key Takeaways:

Urban agriculture is most efficient when highly diverse and grown close to where it’s consumed.
Perimeter urban agriculture and rangeland systems optimize space and energy use.
Only 4–6% of land is needed for equivalent food production compared to industrial agriculture.
Integrating forests into human settlements stabilizes ecosystems and passes knowledge across generations.
Industrial-scale agriculture is often inefficient and environmentally costly.
Restoring land to wilderness or forest repair can moderate climate, water, and ecosystem health.
Humanity can now design extremely diverse, resilient systems that surpass historical norms.