Peter Wohlleben

Peter Wohlleben is a German forester and author recognized for his contributions to forest ecology, sustainable forestry, and environmental conservation. Wohlleben spent more than 20 years working for the forestry commission in Germany before leaving to implement his ecological ideas in practice. After graduating from forestry school in Rottenburg am Neckar, he worked as a government wood ranger in Rhineland-Palatinate. Over time, he became disillusioned with conventional forestry practices, such as the felling of mature trees and the use of insecticides, which led him to pursue alternative, ecologically focused methods.

Wohlleben is the author of the New York Times bestseller "The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate." The book introduces readers to the interconnected world of trees, including the Wood-Wide Web, a network through which trees exchange nutrients and signals. "The Hidden Life of Trees" has sold more than 2 million copies worldwide and has been featured in Der Spiegel and on the Spiegel bestseller list. It also appeared on bestseller lists in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal, and received recognition from Brainpickings, the SEJ Rachel Carson Environment Book Award, and the Audible International Book of the Year Award.

Wohlleben's other works include "The Inner Life of Animals: Love, Grief, and Compassion — Surprising Observations of a Hidden World," which explores animal sentience and emotional behavior, and "The Secret Wisdom of Nature: Trees, Animals, and the Extraordinary Balance of All Living Things — Stories from Science and Observation." He is also the author of "The Heartbeat of Trees: Embracing Our Ancient Bond with Forests and Nature" and "The Power of Trees: How Ancient Forests Can Save Us if We Let Them," which examines the role of ancient forests in climate change mitigation and the impact of forest management practices. For younger readers, Wohlleben wrote "Can You Hear the Trees Talking?," which won the AAAS/Subaru Book Prize in the Middle School Science Book category.

Wohlleben's work has been adapted for film, including the documentary "Intelligent Trees," in which he appears alongside forest ecology professor Suzanne Simard, and "The Hidden Life of Trees," which premiered in theaters in the United States and at the Wales One World Film Festival in the United Kingdom. In addition to his writing and film work, Wohlleben delivered the keynote address at the International Conference for Biodiversity and Climate.

Wohlleben founded a Forest Academy in Germany, where he educates forest owners on ecologically conscious forest management and supports global forest conservation initiatives, including collaborations with the Kwiakah First Nation in Canada and Ecosia. His efforts have been recognized with the Heinz Sielmann Award, the Environmental Award from Environmental Action Germany, and a Conservation Medal from BUND in Bavaria. Through his books, documentaries, lectures, and conservation projects, Wohlleben continues to influence the global conversation on forest preservation, biodiversity, and climate change.