Introduction

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, individuals and organizations are taking steps to mitigate its impact. One of the ways to do this is through reforestation, which involves creating new forests in areas that have been deforested or destroyed. In recent years, many countries have been ramping up their efforts to plant new trees. But how many trees have been planted this year? Let's take a closer look.

The Global Picture

According to the United Nations, the world lost an estimated 10 million hectares of forest in 2019. However, there is some good news. In 2020, countries around the world planted a record-breaking 13.6 billion trees. This is a substantial increase from the previous year, when 7.8 billion trees were planted. While this number is impressive, there is still much more that needs to be done to combat deforestation.

China's Contribution

China is leading the world in reforestation efforts. In 2021, the country has set a goal to plant 6.6 million hectares of trees. This massive undertaking is part of China's plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The country has already planted 7.07 million hectares of new forests in the first half of 2021, which is almost equal to the total area planted last year. China's reforestation efforts are likely to have a significant impact on the global fight against climate change.

The African Perspective

Many African countries are also stepping up their efforts to rebuild their forests. In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 3.3 million hectares of forest were lost every year from 2010 to 2020. However, several African countries have initiated reforestation programs to mitigate this loss. For example, Ethiopia has set a target of planting 5 billion trees by the end of 2021. This initiative is part of the country's efforts to combat desertification and climate change.

Corporate Reforestation

The corporate world is also getting in on the action, with many companies launching reforestation initiatives. For example, in 2019, Mastercard pledged to plant 100 million trees over five years. Similarly, Salesforce has committed to planting 100 million trees by 2030. Many other companies, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft, have also announced their own reforestation programs.

The Final Word

So, how many trees have been planted this year? While it is difficult to get an exact number, it is clear that reforestation efforts are on the rise. From government initiatives to corporate programs, individuals and organizations worldwide are working hard to help mitigate the effects of climate change. While there is still much more that needs to be done to combat deforestation, the increase in tree planting is a positive step forward.