Introduction
Forests are an essential natural resource that provide oxygen, clean air, and habitat for wildlife. However, deforestation and industrialization has led to a decline in global forest cover. Therefore, it is imperative that we replant trees to protect and preserve our environment. In this article, we will explore how many new trees are planted each year.
Global Efforts to Plant Trees
The United Nations’ Green Climate Fund has pledged to plant 10 billion new trees by 2030. This effort is part of a global effort to combat climate change, reduce air pollution and provide a healthier living environment. Similarly, the New Forests Company is a sustainable forestry company that has planted over 35 million trees in Africa, Asia, and Australia.
National Efforts to Plant Trees
Many countries are working towards increasing their forest cover. One example is China, which has been involved in a massive reforestation project and has been successful in planting over 60 billion trees since 2010. Similarly, India has announced a plan to plant 2 billion trees along the country's highways utilizing over 840,000 kilometers by 2021.
Private Efforts to Plant Trees
Private companies also actively participate in planting new trees every year. In the United States, UPS has pledged to plant 15 million trees by 2021 in partnership with the nonprofit organization The Nature Conservancy. Similarly, the paper manufacturer Domtar has set a goal to plant 1 million trees each year to replace those it uses in its manufacturing processes.
Impact of Tree Planting Efforts
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global additional forest area is estimated to be 43 million hectares, about the size of Iraq, and would absorb two billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere every year. This would provide a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate some of the impacts of climate change, deforestation and urbanization.
Conclusion
Tree planting efforts are essential for the health of our planet. Global, national and private entities must continue to invest in planting new trees each year to mitigate climate change and improve air quality. Although the numbers of newly planted trees may vary, the impact of each tree is significant, and it is up to all of us to play our part in protecting the environment for future generations.