ARTICLE
SUMMARY
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In order to tackle climate change everyone can play a role in replanting trees and forests around the world. Trees are vital as they can remove carbon dioxide from the air, and act as a natural storage locking carbon in the trees and soil while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Trees also help to improve air quality and reduce water pollution. The consensus amongst the scientific community is that new trees and forests can help to reduce the temperature on the planet.
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The International Panel on Climate Change has indicated that we need to plant the equivalent of 1 billion hectares of trees in addition to cutting carbon emissions to stop the planet from warming beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius. Planting trees helps to support the environment, as they are renewable, biodegradable and recyclable. Furthermore planting up to 1 trillion new trees is equivalent to absorbing about 20 years worth of global greenhouse gases. Countries across the world are supporting a myriad of tree planting and reforestation initiatives over the next decade. Certain forests continue to remain under stocked therefore there is increasing demand to introduce new trees and help sequester carbon emissions in existing forests.
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Responsible approaches are necessary in replanting trees. In some cases natural forest generation can provide a more diverse mix of species and a better solution for the long-term sustainability of forests. Consideration should also be given to the best regions to plant new trees such as the tropics where trees grow at an accelerated rate and absorb carbon dioxide. There are also social factors and challenges to consider where in many places raising cattle and growing crops is more profitable than allowing trees to return. More policies are therefore needed to promote responsible reforestation and to stimulate the market to offset carbon emissions and forest products for the benefit of both indigenous communities as well as the sustainability of the planet. We should continue to conduct scientific research to better understand the impact and consequences of reforestation to help ensure the best policies are adopted across the world and achieve the right balance between natural forest regeneration and human intervention.
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Natural regrowth of trees in addition to replanting of trees is one step in helping to resolve climate change. In addition, individuals, governments and science need to continue to work in collaboration in taking necessary steps to find practical and workable solutions at reducing greenhouse gases and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. Natural climate solutions are also needed including the restoration of ecosystems.
SaveTreez will continue to play a prominent role in our efforts to support a sustainable environment for the benefit of future generations.