This groundbreaking new book is a detailed and beautifully photographed study of the extraordinary impact of trees on our lives and our surroundings in the past, present and future. In the starkest terms, without trees human life could not survive, they are vital in maintaining the balance of climate and the fragile ecosystems of our planet. Trees provide us with building materials, fuel, food, medicine, shade and protection from the elements. Trees for centuries have been revered in many cultures for their links with the past and their spiritual associations. Each chapter in the book look at a different climate zone from the arctic north to the tropical south, describing the native trees in their natural habitat and the part they will play in the future.This book will remind readers of the seminal importance of trees,their unique beauty and importance in our world. It is vital that trees are respected and protected.