Tree planting is increasing around the world

The planting of trees in Atsuma Town, Hokkaido, Japan. (Aeon Info)

We are learning that trees have far more value than providing timber: they keep soils moist, prevent floods and provide shelter, store carbon, beautify landscapes, protect water sources, increase biodiversity, improve conservation, have a cooling effect through transpiration and induce human wellbeing.

Many countries have ambitious projects to plant large areas of trees. Some include: China, India, Ireland, Norway, France, England, Costa Rica, Nepal, Peru and Mongolia. Latin American countries pledge to restore 20 million hectares of degraded forest and African countries more than 100 million hectares. Most of Europe is now physically greener than what it was a few years ago. More than 120 countries in 2015 pledged to plant and restore large areas of forest as a response to climate change. The UN has set a target to restore 350 million hectares by 2030.

However, deforestation and land degradation is still occuring around the world which weakens the land’s resilience. Forests are also under threat from climate change related threats such as droughts and bushfires. Mass, state-sponsored plantings are not always successful. The growth of agroforestry is providing a solution where trees and shrubs are grown among crops (and stock). In some countries, such as Niger, this approach has increased yields as compared to their broadacre cropping.

Further reading: A eureka moment for the planet: we’re finally planting trees again. The Guardian, February 13, 2018.