Week 2: The Last Tree and the First City

Introduction: The Year 2050

The year is 2050. The world has changed a lot because of climate change, pollution and deforestation. So, most of the forests are already gone and many animals have disappeared. The surrounding air is become hotter and drier. All the cities are already become way bigger while the nature is become smaller.

There is only one natural forest left in the world. It is called The Last Forest. This forest is very special because it is the final place where real trees grow naturally. It is not man-made and it is also not artificial. So, it is the last memory of the Earth’s original nature.

In this future world, I am the Guardian of the Last Forest. My job is to protect it from danger. This story connects to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) because it focuses on protecting nature and fighting climate change. SDG 13 focuses on urgent climate action, while SDG 15 targets protecting terrestrial ecosystems, forests, and biodiversity (United Nations Development Programme, 2026).

 

Description of the Last Forest

The Last Forest is large and beautiful. The trees are tall and very old. Some trees are already hundreds of years old. The forest has clean rivers, fresh air and many types of plants. There are still birds singing and small animals living there.

The forest is surrounded by dry land. Outside the forest, the land is brown and empty. But inside the forest, everything is green and alive. When people enter the forest, they feel peace and hope. The forest reminds humans of what Earth used to look like.

This forest is not only important for nature. It is also important for culture and history. It holds traditional knowledge from indigenous people. It teaches humans about balance and respect for the environment.

Figure 1: The Last Forest in 2050 (AI-Generated image)

Threats to the Forest

Even though it is protected, the Last Forest still faces many dangers. 

First, is about large corporations want to cut the trees to build more smart cities. They say their economic will help economic growth. Second, is about some governments want to use the land for energy projects. Third, is about many people do not care about nature anymore. They prefer technology and artificial environments. 

Hence, climate change exacerbates issues by enabling invasive species, pests and more frequent fires, which the weaken forests already stressed by fragmentation (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification [PEFC], 2025). Climate change is also a big threat. The temperature is rising every year. There are more storms and droughts. These changes make it difficult for the forest to survive.

As the Guardian, I must stop these threats. Protecting the forest is not easy, but it is very important for the future of humanity.

Protection System: How I Protect the Forest

To protect the Last Forest, I use both technology and tradition.

First, the forest is surrounded by a smart protection system. There are drones flying above to monitor illegal activities. The drone also can check temperature, soil health and air quality. If someone tries to damage the forest, the system sends an alert immediately.

Second, there are strict global laws. The forest is recognized as a World Heritage Natural Zone. No company or government can use it for profit.

Third, we will do a campaign to remind people why the forest is important. Schools bring students to visit and learn about nature. Children are taught to respect the Earth.

Figure 2: Protection System of the Last Forest (AI-Generated image)

 

The First City: A New Way of Living

Near the Last Forest, there is a new type of city called The First Green City. This city is built in harmony with nature. All the buildings use solar energy. There are rooftop gardens and all the cars are use electric. Waste is recycled completely.

The city learns from the forest. Instead of destroying nature, it copies nature’s system. Water is reused. Food is grown locally. Trees are planted in every neighbourhood.

Therefore, this city shows that humans can develop without destroying the environment. It proves that economic growth and environmental protection can work together.

Figure 3: The First Green City (AI-Generated image)

 

Reflection: Is Nature Becoming a museum?

In 2050, many people visit the Last Forest like it is a museum. They take pictures and leave. This action seriously makes me feel sad. Nature should not be something rare or special. It should be normal in everyday life.

If we do not act now, forests may only exist in protected areas. For our future generations may only see real trees once in their lifetime. This is why SDG 13 and SDG 15 are very important today.

• Climate action means reducing carbon emissions, using clean energy, and protecting natural land. Life on land means saving forests, animals, and biodiversity (Close the Gap Foundation, 2026).

The Last Forest teaches us an important lesson which is we must protect nature before it is too late.

 

Reference

Close the Gap Foundation. (2026). Climate Action. Close the Gap Foundation. https://www.closethegapfoundation.org/glossary/climate-action

 

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. (2025). Threats to forests. PEFC. https://www.pefc.org/what-we-do/why-forests-are-important/threats-to-forests

 

United Nations Development Programme. (2026). Climate Action (Sustainable Development Goal 13). United Nations Development Programme. https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals/climate-action