Can planting trees save the planet?

Trees are fascinating plants. When grown together, they have the power to create entire ecosystems that support biodiversity, and they’re the oldest living things on planet earth. Trees can also communicate via fungal networks to warn each other about potential dangers. How magical is that? There’s a lot more to these magnificent giants than we first thought, but what is for sure is their natural ability to restore the earth. Alongside a global effort to decrease our carbon footprint, planting trees could give us a chance at a brighter, greener future!

Trees absorb carbon from the atmosphere and store it. Scientists believe that this is one of the biggest and cheapest ways of taking CO2 out of the atmosphere to tackle the climate crisis. New research estimates that a worldwide planting programme could remove two-thirds of all the emissions from human activities that remain in the atmosphere today.

The more trees there are, the more habits there will be for wildlife. A single mature oak tree can support over 280 different species of insects, from moths to worms! Unfortunately, scientists have estimated that hundreds of plant, animal, and insect species are lost each day due to deforestation, making this one of the top causes of biodiversity loss. Biodiversity is crucial to the health of our planet; it’s a delicate balance that can have devastating effects if altered. From the seemingly insignificant dandelions that we pluck from our gardens to the grand, majestic trees, every species has a role to play. And right now, humans have an equally important role to play - to undo the damage that we have done to the natural world. 

What’s also amazing about trees is that they can prevent floods; they do so by slowing rainfall with their branches and leaves and soaking up the water into the soil. Their sturdy roots prevent erosion by holding soil in place and not letting it wash away. But that’s not all! Trees improve the quality of our water, too. Forests can filter pollution from contaminated water, protecting waterways like lakes and rivers.

Remember that we too benefit from trees. Research suggests that trees can positively impact our mental health, strengthening our ability to handle stress and increase productivity. Humans have an innate connection to nature, which is why many of us feel at peace when we’re in the company of trees. So if you’re not motivated to plant trees for the sake of the planet, do it for your fellow humans instead! Can you imagine a world without being able to access green spaces nearby? This is already a reality of millions of people living in urban areas, and we can’t allow it to get any worse.