Morichal, Natalya Critchley
Can large-scale reforestation mitigate climate change?
Planting trees is one of the most effective ways to mitigate climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as part of the process of photosynthesis to produce oxygen and store carbon in their wood and roots. This helps to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which is one of the main causes of climate change. A study published in the journal Science in 2019 found that it is possible to restore 1.2 billion hectares of degraded land to forests by 2050. This would sequester an estimated 205 gigatons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is equivalent to the emissions of 40 years of global transportation. Reforestation is not a silver bullet for climate change, but it is a powerful tool that can help us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
In addition to absorbing carbon dioxide, trees also provide a number of other benefits, including:
- Improving air quality
- Reducing noise pollution
- Providing shade and cooling
- Improving water quality
- Preventing soil erosion
- Providing habitat for wildlife
- Boosting human health and well-being
Trees are a vital part of a healthy planet, and planting trees is a great way to help fight climate change and improve our environment.
Here are some tips for planting trees to help mitigate climate change:
- Plant trees in areas where they will thrive. This will ensure that they live long and healthy lives and that they can continue to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for many years to come.
- Choose native trees. Native trees are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, and they are less likely to require pesticides or herbicides.
- Plant trees in groups. This will help to create a forest, which is more effective at absorbing carbon dioxide than a single tree.
- Water your trees regularly, especially during their first few years of growth.
- Mulch around your trees to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Protect your trees from pests and diseases.
- Enjoy your trees! Trees are a beautiful and valuable asset to any landscape.
UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) is a call to action to prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. It aims to bring together governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to restore ecosystems that have been damaged or destroyed by human activities.
The UN Decade is based on the principle that healthy ecosystems are essential for human well-being and for the planet. Ecosystems provide us with food, water, clean air, medicines, and other essential services. They also help to regulate the climate, protect biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of natural disasters.
The UN Decade is a global call to action, but it is also a local one. Everyone can play a role in restoring ecosystems, from planting trees to reducing their impact on the environment. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.
Here are some of the benefits of ecosystem restoration:
- Improved air quality
- Reduced water pollution
- Increased biodiversity
- Improved soil health
- Reduced erosion
- Increased resilience to climate change
- Improved human health and well-being
- Increased economic opportunities.
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a unique opportunity to address the urgent challenge of ecosystem degradation. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.
Here are some ways to get involved in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration:
- Learn more about the UN Decade and the benefits of ecosystem restoration.
- Talk to your friends, family, and community about the importance of ecosystem restoration.
- Support organizations that are working to restore ecosystems.
- Get involved in local restoration projects.
- Make changes in your own life to reduce your impact on the environment.
RESTORE: films from the frontiers of hope
Call for proposals – Pilot cities for urban ecosystem restoration
Ecosystem Return Foundation: ecosystem restoration in China
Ecosystem Return Foundation: ecosystem restoration in Ethiopia
Source: ChatGPT, Google Bard
Claudio Mendoza 