Are human societies like rainforests?
An ode to the intricate symphony of community & invite to a very special event.
Did you know that rainforests not only safeguard millions of species but also play an essential role in shaping the planet’s climate and supporting all life on Earth?
Rainforests are far more than the dense greenery we see above ground. Beneath the soil lies a hidden world—a sprawling network of fungi, roots, and microbes, often called the “wood wide web.” This intricate system connects trees to one another, enabling them to share nutrients, warn of danger, and even support weaker trees in times of stress. These underground networks stretch for miles, creating a vast, interconnected ecosystem that impacts areas far beyond its immediate surroundings.
Rainforests influence cloud formations, absorb and shift pollution, and produce much of the oxygen that sustains life on Earth. They are nature’s lungs, its circulatory system, and its nervous system, all at once. Their health directly affects the health of the planet, reminding us that life, in its fullest sense, is deeply interconnected.
Reflecting on the interconnectedness of rainforests leads us to a compelling question: what can we learn from these natural systems about human societies?
The Power of Connection
Rainforests thrive because every element works together in harmony. A towering tree cannot exist in isolation—it depends on the surrounding ecosystem to survive. Roots draw nutrients from the soil enriched by decaying leaves, fungi shuttle water and minerals between plants, and even fallen trees provide nourishment for new growth. In this way, a rainforest is not a collection of separate organisms but a web of interdependence, where the success of one element ensures the survival of the whole.
This concept has striking parallels with human life. Like a solitary tree, a person cut off from others struggles to thrive. Social isolation can lead to poor mental and physical health, much like how a tree outside the rainforest network becomes more vulnerable to disease and environmental stress.
Research backs this up. In highly individualistic societies, where people are encouraged to prioritise personal success over community well-being, rates of loneliness, depression, and chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes are significantly higher. Loneliness, in fact, has been labelled an epidemic in parts of the developed world. By contrast, communities that value collective care and connection tend to have stronger social bonds and better overall health.
Take the example of Sardinia, one of the world’s “blue zones” where people live significantly longer than average. Researchers attribute much of this longevity to the strength of community ties. In Sardinia, older adults are not isolated—they remain central to family and social life, receiving support and giving it in return. This interconnected way of living is reminiscent of a rainforest’s resilience, where every part of the system is strengthened by the whole.
Lessons from Rainforests
Rainforests also teach us about the dangers of neglecting these connections. When rainforests are deforested or degraded, the entire system begins to collapse. Vital ecosystems are destroyed, biodiversity is lost, and the climate is destabilised. Similarly, when human societies prioritise competition over collaboration or allow inequality and isolation to fester, the social fabric unravels.
Consider the impact of COVID-19. For many, it was a stark reminder of how much we rely on one another. The isolation of lockdowns brought a wave of mental health challenges, but it also sparked an outpouring of mutual aid as communities came together to support those who are more vulnerable. From neighbours delivering food parcels to strangers raising funds for those in need, people instinctively sought to rebuild the networks that sustain us.
This resurgence of community spirit shows that, like rainforests, human societies are capable of extraordinary resilience and adaptation when connections are prioritised.
Why should we wait until an extreme disaster occurs before we prioritise these connections?
Why is it not a priority now so we can prevent social decays down the line?
The Sounds - a symphony of interconnectedness
Have you ever had the opportunity to listen to the sounds of a rainforest or forest near home? The rhythmic patter of rain on leaves, the cacophony of chirping insects, the calls of distant birds, and the rustle of animals moving through the undergrowth create a symphony that is both chaotic and harmonious. This soundscape is not just beautiful; it is a form of communication and connection, an auditory representation of the rainforest’s intricate web of life.
Every creature in the rainforest contributes to this symphony, and each sound serves a purpose. Birds call to signal territory or attract mates. Frogs croak to announce their presence. Insects hum and buzz, creating an ambient drone that underpins the forest’s natural rhythm. Even the trees and plants “speak” in their own way. Recent research has revealed that plants emit ultrasonic clicks when stressed or dehydrated—inaudible to the human ear but detectable to other organisms.
These sounds are not random. They are signals that help maintain the rainforest’s delicate balance. Predators use them to locate prey; prey use them to avoid danger. In this way, the soundscape reflects the interconnectedness of life in the rainforest, where every living thing is part of an ongoing dialogue.
Now imagine this: what would the sound of a healthy human society be? Perhaps it would echo the vibrancy of a rainforest—a bustling market, children laughing, music spilling from windows, conversations weaving together in parks and squares. These sounds of human connection are vital, just as the rainforest’s symphony is essential to its ecosystem.
When rainforests are damaged, their soundscapes change. The hum of insects quietens, birdcalls become sparse, and the once-vibrant symphony fades. Similarly, in societies where connection is lost, the sounds of community—laughter, music, and dialogue—are replaced by silence or dissonance. You can physically feel these changes when you enter certain spaces or parts of a town.
A healthy rainforest, with all its bustling sounds, reminds us of the beauty of coexistence and the power of communication. By understanding the symphony, we can remember the power of our own sounds and connections, where every voice has its place, and every sound contributes to the whole.
VIDEO - Walk Through The Jungle: Spoken word by poet and activist Shareefa Energy, and facilitator of the Jan 25th event.
A Call to Action
The last few years have left many of us reflecting on what it means to belong. Who are the people we feel most aligned with? How do we create communities that truly nourish and sustain us? And how can we build networks of care and connection that are strong enough to withstand the challenges of our time?
Rainforests remind us that thriving is not about standing alone but about standing together. They show us the beauty and strength that comes from interdependence. But they also warn us of the consequences of neglecting these bonds.
As 2025 is starting to take shape, my goal is to take inspiration from these ancient ecosystems. How can I nurture my networks to be as vibrant and resilient as a rainforest? How can I be a part of creating a society that prioritises care, collaboration, and collective well-being?
If these questions resonate with you, I invite you to join us on 25th January for an event focussed on deepening community and experiencing the healing magnitude of immersive nature. Together, we’ll sit in person and discuss how to build communities that foster resilience and share ideas for creating a more interconnected and compassionate world. If you have felt isolated this past year - this 3-hour workshop and immersive live music experience will be your antidote.
Click here for more information and to join the event!
Just as rainforests hold the key to the planet’s health, our connections with one another are the foundation of a flourishing society. I hope this essay has helped spark some ideas and consider your important place in this chaotic, sprawling symphony of a society.
And don’t forget; we are the sound.