Stories with Tag tree planting

• Trees not profits: we're giving up our right to ever sell Ecosia (2018)

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  Posted: 2025-03-10 07:42:11

  Verbose tl;dr

  Ecosia's founders have legally restructured the company to prevent it from ever being sold, even by future owners. This ensures that Ecosia's profits will always be used to plant trees and pursue its environmental mission. The change involves a new legal structure called a "steward ownership model" and a purpose foundation that holds all voting rights. This effectively makes selling Ecosia for profit impossible, guaranteeing its long-term commitment to environmental sustainability.

  In a 2018 blog post titled "Trees not profits: we're giving up our right to ever sell Ecosia," the search engine company Ecosia, renowned for its commitment to planting trees using its profits, announced a legally binding commitment to its mission of reforestation, precluding any possibility of the company ever being sold for profit. This momentous decision, spearheaded by Ecosia's founder, Christian Kroll, ensures that the company will remain eternally dedicated to its environmental cause, safeguarding it from potential acquisition by investors primarily focused on financial gain. The post details the specific legal mechanisms employed to achieve this, explaining that Kroll and Ecosia's co-owner, Tim Schumacher, have amended the company’s structure by placing all voting shares into a purpose trust. This effectively renders the shares inalienable, preventing them from being sold and consequently ensuring Ecosia cannot be purchased by external entities.

  The post emphasizes the significance of this action in solidifying Ecosia’s long-term vision. It highlights the potential vulnerabilities of for-profit social businesses, susceptible to being swayed from their initial mission by the pressures of the market and investor demands. By relinquishing the possibility of a lucrative sale, Ecosia aims to permanently shield itself from such influences, cementing its dedication to ecological restoration. The post underscores the permanence of this change, drawing a comparison to charitable foundations, which similarly cannot be sold. It also explains the enduring nature of the purpose trust, which cannot be dissolved or altered in its objectives. The core objective of the trust, as meticulously detailed in the post, is to ensure that Ecosia continues to operate as a social business, prioritizing environmental benefit over profit maximization, for as long as it exists. Furthermore, the post elaborates on the mechanisms within the purpose trust that ensure responsible and transparent governance, designed to maintain Ecosia's adherence to its ecological mission. Finally, the post reiterates Ecosia’s commitment to transparency and accountability, inviting scrutiny and welcoming feedback from its users and the broader community.

  • Ecosia
  • Search Engine
  • non-profit
  • environmentalism
  • tree planting
  • reforestation
  • sustainability
  • social enterprise
  • business model
  • corporate governance
  • purpose-driven business
  • profit limitations
  • legal structure

  Summary of Comments ( 113 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43317887

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users generally praised Ecosia's commitment to its mission, viewing the legal restructuring as a positive move. Some expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of the business model and wondered how Ecosia would adapt to future challenges without the option of selling. Others questioned the specific legal mechanisms employed and compared them to other charitable structures. A few commenters also raised concerns about potential future leadership changes and how those could impact Ecosia's stated commitment. Several users shared their personal experiences with the search engine, generally positive, and discussed the tradeoffs between Ecosia and other search options.

  The Hacker News post discussing Ecosia giving up its right to ever be sold has a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on the implications of the "steward ownership" model and comparing it to other organizational structures.

  Several commenters express skepticism about the long-term viability and enforceability of this model. One commenter questions how this structure protects against a hostile takeover, pointing out that the foundation could still be pressured or legally compelled to sell. They also raise concerns about the potential for mission drift over time, even with the steward ownership in place. Another echoes this sentiment, suggesting that dedicated individuals can be replaced, and the legal framework might not be sufficient to indefinitely prevent a sale if significant financial incentives arise in the future.

  There's a discussion about the potential limitations of the steward ownership model for scaling and adapting to changing market conditions. One commenter argues that the inability to sell might hinder Ecosia's growth by limiting its access to capital or preventing it from merging with a larger entity. Another counter-argues that this structure might actually be beneficial in the long run by forcing the organization to focus on sustainable growth and long-term value creation, rather than short-term profits.

  A few commenters draw parallels to other organizational structures, such as cooperatives and non-profit organizations. One suggests that Ecosia's model resembles a perpetual purpose trust, designed to preserve a specific mission over time. Another mentions the limitations of traditional non-profit models, which can sometimes be bureaucratic and inefficient.

  Some comments focus on the practical implications of Ecosia's commitment. One commenter asks about the specifics of the legal structure and how it will be enforced. Another questions how Ecosia plans to attract and retain talent without the possibility of equity-based compensation.

  Overall, the comments reflect a mixture of admiration for Ecosia's commitment to its mission and pragmatic concerns about the long-term effectiveness of the chosen legal structure. There's a general recognition of the innovative nature of the approach, but also a healthy dose of skepticism about its ability to withstand future pressures and challenges.

• How to Build a Thousand-Year-Old Tree

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  Posted: 2025-03-07 14:36:50

  Verbose tl;dr

  To foster truly ancient trees, we must shift our perspective from individual trees to the entire forest ecosystem. The article "How to Build a Thousand-Year-Old Tree" argues that longevity isn't solely a product of genetics, but a complex interplay of slow growth, disturbance diversity (including fire, insects, and storms), mycorrhizal networks, and genetic diversity within a species. These factors create resilient forests that support the gradual development of ancient trees, which in turn, become hubs of biodiversity and ecological memory. Therefore, managing for old-growth characteristics within entire landscapes, rather than focusing on individual specimens, is crucial for creating forests capable of nurturing trees that live for millennia.

  The article "How to Build a Thousand-Year-Old Tree," by Ferris Jabr, delves into the intricate and fascinating world of ancient trees, exploring not just their longevity but also the multifaceted ecological roles they play and the complex factors that contribute to their survival across centuries. Jabr begins by painting a vivid picture of these arboreal giants, emphasizing their sheer size and the awe-inspiring presence they command in their respective ecosystems. He highlights the profound connection these trees have with human history and culture, serving as silent witnesses to the passage of time and the unfolding of human events.

  The author then transitions into a detailed examination of the biological mechanisms that enable these trees to achieve such remarkable lifespans. He discusses the concept of "stress response," explaining how trees adapt to various environmental pressures, such as drought, fire, and disease, by developing resilient structures and physiological processes. Jabr elucidates how the compartmentalization of decay, a vital defense mechanism, allows trees to isolate damaged sections and prevent the spread of rot throughout the entire organism. He also elaborates on the intricate relationship between trees and their surrounding environment, including the vital role of mycorrhizal networks — symbiotic associations between tree roots and fungi — in facilitating nutrient exchange and enhancing the tree's overall health and resilience.

  Moving beyond individual trees, Jabr expands the narrative to encompass the broader forest ecosystem. He emphasizes the importance of biodiversity within these ancient forests, highlighting how diverse species interact and contribute to the overall stability and resilience of the environment. He explores the concept of "forest memory," explaining how the accumulated knowledge and adaptations of older trees are passed down to younger generations through various mechanisms, including the sharing of resources and genetic information. The author emphasizes the critical role of “mother trees,” large, old trees that serve as hubs of connectivity and support for the entire forest network. These mother trees nurture and protect younger saplings, fostering the next generation of ancient giants.

  The article also touches upon the increasing threats to ancient trees posed by human activities, such as deforestation, climate change, and the introduction of invasive species. Jabr underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these invaluable ecosystems, emphasizing their importance not only for biodiversity but also for the overall health of the planet. He argues that preserving ancient forests is crucial for maintaining carbon sequestration, regulating water cycles, and providing habitat for countless species. The piece concludes with a call to action, urging readers to appreciate the profound significance of ancient trees and to actively participate in their preservation for the benefit of future generations.

  • trees
  • Longevity
  • forestry
  • ancient trees
  • silviculture
  • tree planting
  • environmentalism
  • nature
  • conservation
  • sustainability
  • long-term thinking
  • climate change
  • Ecosystems
  • old-growth forests
  • time
  • deep time
  • future generations
  • Legacy
  • ecological restoration

  Summary of Comments ( 3 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43290498

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters largely appreciated the article's focus on long-term thinking and its application to institutions. Several highlighted the importance of decentralization and redundancy as key factors in longevity, comparing biological systems to organizational structures. Some discussed the difficulty of maintaining institutional memory and purpose over extended periods, pointing to the inevitable shifts in societal values and technological advancements. A few questioned the feasibility of planning for such long timescales given the inherent unpredictability of the future, while others emphasized the importance of incremental progress and adaptation. The concept of "cathedral thinking" resonated with many, prompting reflections on the motivations and dedication required for such endeavors. Some commenters also noted the article's elegant prose and compelling narrative.

  The Hacker News post "How to Build a Thousand-Year-Old Tree" has generated a moderate number of comments, most of which engage with the core ideas presented in the linked Noema Magazine article. Several commenters focus on the long-term perspective advocated by the article, appreciating the call for a shift away from short-term thinking that often dominates current societal structures. They discuss the difficulties of implementing such a long-term vision, acknowledging the challenges posed by political cycles, economic pressures, and human nature itself.

  One compelling thread of discussion revolves around the concept of "cathedral thinking," referring to the dedication and multi-generational effort required to construct grand projects like medieval cathedrals. Commenters debate the applicability of this analogy to modern challenges, questioning whether current societal structures can foster such long-term commitment. Some express skepticism, pointing to the differing motivations and societal structures between the medieval period and the present day. Others suggest that while the specific context has changed, the underlying principle of sustained, collaborative effort remains relevant and crucial for addressing complex issues like climate change and social inequality.

  Another significant point of discussion centers around the tension between individual agency and collective action. Some commenters emphasize the importance of individual choices and actions in contributing to long-term goals. Others argue that systemic change is necessary, asserting that individual efforts alone are insufficient to address large-scale challenges. This leads to a discussion about the role of government, corporations, and other institutions in fostering a long-term perspective and creating the conditions for collective action.

  Several commenters also share specific examples of projects or initiatives that embody long-term thinking, such as land trusts, long-term research projects, and certain cultural practices. These examples serve to illustrate the practical application of the article's ideas and offer concrete models for how long-term thinking can be implemented in various contexts. A few comments also offer critiques of the article itself, suggesting that it is somewhat idealistic or lacking in concrete proposals. However, even these critical comments contribute to a productive discussion about the challenges and possibilities of adopting a more long-term perspective.