Her Plan for Putting the World Back Together? Trees. 

Diana Beresford-Kroeger’s connection to trees stems from an ancient Irish prophecy she heard in childhood. And she thinks trees are crucial in addressing climate change. 

She was also raised learning about ancient Irish ecological knowledge and reverence for forests. Before the Times reporter Cara Buckley wrote an article about her, Diana Beresford-Kroeger told Ms. Buckley, “What you must do is lean against a tree before you write the piece.” And Ms. Buckley did. 

Ms. Beresford-Kroeger has dedicated much of her life to preserving the planet and revealing the countless ways in which plants and trees support human health and souls. Her connection with the natural world is based on her vast scientific understanding of it and her deep spiritual connection with forests.