Abstract: The open, non-forested ecosystems of the world have long been neglected relative to closed forests. Yet there are vast areas of the world covered by grasslands, savannas, shrublands and woodlands in climates that can support closed forests. Why are they not forests? Africa is the grassiest continent. Does the ecology of Africa’s open, sunny ecosystems hold the key to understanding other regions of the world which could be forest but aren’t? This talk explores new perspectives on the world’s open ecosystems, informed by African ecology. They suggest an urgent need for revision of popular perceptions and policies in the face of growing pressure to mitigate climate change by manipulating nature.

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