How Many Trees Are Planted a Day?

Planting trees is a crucial activity for our planet. Trees help to purify the air, provides food and shelter for animals, reduce soil erosion, and provide oxygen for us to breathe. With the increasing demand for timber, the alarming rate of deforestation, and global warming, many countries have taken measures to plant trees regularly. But how many trees are planted a day worldwide?

Global Tree Planting Record

The global tree planting record is not easy to calculate due to the vast size of the earth’s surface area. However, according to the United Nations, an average of 9.5 billion trees are lost annually through deforestation, while only 15 billion trees are planted each year. The World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates that humans have cut down over 46% of the world’s trees since the beginning of human civilization.

China’s Ambitious Tree Planting Campaigns

China is one of the most ambitious countries when it comes to tree-planting. China aims to increase its forest coverage to 23% by the end of 2020, up from just 12% in 1982. Since 1978, China has planted 66 billion trees – an area roughly the size of the United Kingdom. In 2018, China planted 7.07 million hectares of new trees.

The Greening of Africa

Africa is known for its vast deserts, but the continent is making strides in reversing this trend. In 2019, Ethiopia planted 350 million trees in one day, as part of its "Green Legacy" campaign to plant four billion trees by the end of 2020. The initiative aims to combat deforestation and climate change, while also creating job opportunities in the agricultural sector. Countries like Nigeria and Senegal have also launched tree planting campaigns.

Tree-Planting Initiatives in Developed Countries

Developed countries are also taking action to plant more trees. In the United States, the “Trillion Trees Act” was introduced in February 2020, aiming to plant one trillion trees globally by 2050 to combat climate change. The European Union aims to plant at least three billion additional trees by 2030, while the United Kingdom plans to plant 30 million trees annually by 2025.

The Bottom Line

While efforts to plant trees are increasing globally, it is still not enough to match the number of trees lost to deforestation. Every individual can also help by planting a tree in their area, supporting tree planting initiatives, and reducing their carbon footprint. Global efforts to address climate change and protect our environment will require collaboration and dedication from individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide.