When Forest Recovery Goes Wrong: Japan's Pollen Epidemic

Japan faces an unprecedented health crisis stemming from a 70-year-old government decision to plant monoculture cedar and cypress forests across 10 million hectares. With 43% of the population suffering hay fever symptoms—far exceeding rates in the US and UK—and daily economic losses surpassing $1.6 billion, the case demonstrates how well-intentioned policies can create massive unintended consequences that persist for generations.