Is the US Planting Trees?

It is no secret that among the top environmental issues the world is facing today is deforestation. Almost every country has launched efforts to curb the impact of deforestation. The United States is no exception. The question is, is the US planting trees?

Forest Cover in the US

The US forest cover is expanding, and it is attributed to reforestation. Since 1990, the US has been planting more trees than it harvests, and it is paying off. According to the Forest Service report, forests in the US have expanded by 50% since the 1920s. The US currently has about 751 million acres of forest cover, which equal to 33% of the country's land area.

Efforts by the US Government

The US government is undertaking significant efforts to reforest the country. They have launched the Forest Legacy Program, which aims to protect forested lands from deforestation, fragmentation, and conversion. The government has also partnered with non-profit organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation to carry out massive tree planting campaigns. The US Forest Service also engages in extensive reforestation and afforestation efforts.

Private Sector Contributions

The US private sector is equally contributing to the country's reforestation efforts. Private entities like the American Forests have been planting trees across the country for over 140 years. Many companies are embracing the culture of planting trees through their corporate social responsibility programs. For instance, tech giant, Apple, has pledged to plant one million trees annually through its suppliers.

Impact of Tree Planting

The US tree planting efforts are bearing fruit. Trees provide a myriad of environmental, economic, and social benefits. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus helping to reduce the effects of climate change. Trees also help to mitigate soil erosion and improve water quality. They also provide habitat to wildlife and contribute to the recovery of endangered species. Forests are a significant contributor to the US economy, providing jobs, wood, and other forest products.

Conclusion

The US is planting trees, and it has been successful. The government and the private sector are undertaking significant efforts to reforest the country. Over the years, the country's forests have expanded, providing various benefits to the environment, the economy, and society. Tree planting must continue, and more efforts are needed to protect the existing forests to ensure their sustainability for the future.