Italy's forest cover has genuinely exceeded agricultural land for the first time since the Middle Ages — a real ecological milestone that benefits native species like bears and wolves. But it's important to understand what's driving this change: it largely reflects the abandonment of agricultural land and marginal pastures, especially in mountain and hill areas, tied to farm closures rather than active reforestation efforts. The broader context also matters. Independent research shows Italy is among Europe's most heat-stressed economies, with construction, agriculture, and transport sectors facing severe productivity losses as extreme heat becomes more frequent. Forest recovery is good news on one measure, but Italy faces serious economic risk from climate impacts that deserve attention alongside the ecological gains.