Trees are extremely important to the environment and all living things on Earth. They play the role of natural cooling mechanisms, improve access to safe drinking water and generate numerous jobs.
Why is planting trees important?
Trees lower levels of stress and improve the overall health of humans by tackling air pollution. In addition, studies have shown that children who have trees growing in their backyards are more likely to achieve success at school. In addition, trees help to sustain biodiversity and help to tackle soil erosion.
How many trees are there in the world?
Today the Earth contains over 3 trillion trees. However, studies show that this number is steadily decreasing with various human needs leading to 15 billion trees being cut down every year.
The top three nations in terms of the number of trees and the surface area they cover are:
- Russia – 642 billion (45% of the country’s landmass is covered by forests)
- Canada – 318 billion (40%)
- Brazil – 302 billion (62%)
How can planting trees help to reduce climate change?
Reforestation and afforestation play important roles in preventing natural and man-made disasters such as flooding and biodiversity loss.
In terms of tackling climate change, trees can help in a number of ways:
- They are natural carbon absorption and storage mechanisms. They capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store this in their wood, leaves, and roots, thus slowing down the process of global warming.
- Because they provide shade, trees help to save energy used for cooling which is particularly important for urban environments.
- Trees preserve soil and help to manage water cycles which lessens the effects of extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods.
Do all forests absorb CO2?
In a 2021 study, a group of researchers discovered that bad planning together with the poor execution of tree-planting projects can increase carbon emissions. In the long run, this can lead to a negative impact on biodiversity and landscapes.
For instance, it would be harmful to plant trees in unnatural locations like grasslands which already act as carbon sinks. Such places run the risk of having their CO2 reserves released into the atmosphere if disturbed.
It is also important to choose the right species. For instance, the planting of non-native trees may result in monocultures – biodiversity-free forests.
How can tree planting help with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) integration?
The United Nations devised 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back in 2015 with the promise that achieving these goals would improve the great majority of people’s living standards.
Companies who have made the decision to include tree planting in their plan of action demonstrate that they are prepared to contribute to the SDGs.
Let’s examine some of the advantages of tree planting for the SDGs in more detail:
No poverty and zero hunger (SDG 1 and 2)
More trees will aid the world’s poor, who mostly depend on farming and thus on fertile soil, by generating jobs, enhancing the land’s long-term capacity to generate food and providing building materials, as well as securing various structures against severe weather conditions.
Bringing damaged forests back to life can increase the level of food security leading to many people being able to access nutrient-rich food.
Good health and well-being and clean water and sanitation (SDG 3 and 6)
Trees not only provide clean air but also ingredients for medicines. Moreover, they can lessen people’s stress levels, support mental wellness, and lower the frequency and spread of diseases. Millions of people suffer from a lack of safe water as a result of climate change, pollution and the logging of forests whereas reforestation can improve this situation since trees act as natural water filters.
See also: The importance of wetlands: why care and protect them?
Quality education and economic growth (SDG 4 and 8)
Knowledge of sustainable agroforestry is necessary for individuals who plan to plant trees. They should know about different tree species, land usage, and other topics. So, planting trees is a process that benefits the education of both adults and children.
Because education is important for future economic development, then tree planting and upkeep could result in the creation of jobs in various sectors including forestry, horticulture, and landscaping. Residential and commercial property values could rise, thanks to trees. Protected woodlands and parks with lots of trees can draw visitors, bringing income for local companies.
Industry and infrastructure (SDG 9)
Deteriorating soil and a lack of proper maintenance have a negative impact on the land. Healthy ecosystems, on the other hand, can help. In certain situations, only reforestation can benefit diverse populations by lowering the risk of one or several hazards such as flooding and landslides.
Sustainable cities and communities and climate action (SDG 11 and 13)
Trees can restore ecosystem functions in both urban and rural areas which provide cities with food, water, electricity, and raw construction materials. In addition, urban resilience can be increased by turning brownfield sites into forests which would also relieve pressure on countryside habitats. Trees can also store harmful particle pollutants and GHGs, with one large tree being able to absorb up to 40 kg of CO2 annually.
Life below water and on land (SDG 14 and 15)
Surface runoff and exhaust are just two examples of how everything that occurs on land affects the oceans. Planting trees along coastlines for the management of erosion and the prevention of storm surges can help to maintain the health of coastal ecosystems. Since trees can remove toxins, they improve water quality which is beneficial for marine life. And since forests represent a source of habitat for wildlife and act as a barrier against soil erosion, they are essential in maintaining and/or regaining biodiversity.
Peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16)
Humans must prioritize their fundamental existence when food supplies are scarce and the land deteriorates. This can ultimately lead to conflict for limited resources which in turn increases the pace of deforestation. Forest restoration can therefore prevent or resolve such conflicts between communities.
Final word
Even though it is a fact that newly planted trees will never be exactly the same as those previously cut down from the same spot, it is still feasible to support land recovery and bring back lost forests so that they can once more house biodiversity, absorb carbon dioxide and filter water. Every initiative requires a unique approach to restoration, and the best course of action depends, for the most part, on the land’s history, current state, the way it is expected to be used, and the potential effects of various stressors.
