Both are exquisite and irreplaceable but only one can be rebuilt. In 2017, 158,000 km2 of tropical forest was destroyed, much of it on purpose. This is an area more than half the size of Italy.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Tropicl-forest-Brazil_©-André-Costa-_-Dreamstime.com_.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1)
© André Costa | Dreamstime.com
In addition, tropical forests could be critical for our survival. They hold carbon, support irreplaceable ecosystems and might contain important medicines of the future.
If we had a stronger connection to these natural cathedrals, took more selfies in front of them, saw more images of them burning and celebrated a broader earthly spirit, rather than a more narrow human one, we might mourn their loss more.
What do you think?
For more stories like this on Switzerland follow us on Facebook and Twitter.