Introduction

Planting trees and bushes is an important part of environmental conservation. It helps to improve the quality of air, reduce soil erosion, and provide a favorable habitat for birds and other wildlife. Generally, planting of trees and bushes is done in different areas across the world. This article focuses on the number of trees and bushes that have been planted in different countries and the significance of the planting.

China's Tree Planting Campaign

China began a tree-planting campaign called "Green Great Wall" in 1978. The campaign aimed to increase forest cover to combat desertification and soil erosion. According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China planted 7.07 billion trees between 2005 and 2010, representing an average of 1.18 billion trees per year. The government also plans to plant 100 billion trees by 2050 to combat desertification and achieve carbon neutrality.

The United States' Tree Planting Efforts

The United States has also made efforts towards planting trees and shrubs. According to the U.S. Forest Service, more than 270,000 acres of forest land were afforested in 2019. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been supporting farmers and ranchers in planting trees and improving wildlife habitat since 1935. As of 2015, NRCS had helped farmers and ranchers plant over 34 million trees and bushes.

Tree Planting in Africa

Africa is also making significant efforts towards tree planting. The African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative aims to restore 100 million hectares of deforested and degraded land by 2030. Cameroon has made a pledge to plant 12.7 million hectares of forest land by 2030. In Niger, the government has led a reforestation effort called "Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration," which has resulted in the planting of over 250 million trees.

Importance of Tree Planting

Tree planting is crucial to environmental conservation. It helps to reduce atmospheric CO2, which is the main cause of global warming. Trees absorb CO2 and release oxygen through photosynthesis, which helps to improve the quality of air. Additionally, planted trees help to reduce soil erosion by holding the soil particles together with their roots. This ensures that fertile soil is conserved for plant growth. Trees also provide a habitat for wildlife, including birds and insects, which are integral to the food chain.

Conclusion

Tree planting efforts have made significant progress in different areas of the world. Some countries have even set ambitious tree planting goals to combat environmental degradation. Tree planting is essential, and individuals should also take part in planting trees in their communities. Every effort counts in the fight to save the environment.