Why Trees?
The Benefits of Planting Trees for our Planet
Why are trees important to the environment?
Trees help clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and provide habitat to over 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity.
Forests provide jobs to over 1.6 billion people, absorb harmful carbon from the atmosphere, and are key ingredients in 25% of all medicines. Have you ever taken an Aspirin? It comes from the bark of a tree!
Here are the six pillars that explain why trees are vital:
Air
Trees help to clean the air we breathe. Through their leaves and bark, they absorb harmful pollutants and release clean oxygen for us to breathe. In urban environments, trees absorb pollutant gases like nitrogen oxides, ozone, and carbon monoxide, and sweep up particles like dust and smoke. Increasing levels of carbon dioxide caused by deforestation and fossil fuel combustion trap heat in the atmosphere. Healthy, strong trees act as carbon sinks, offset carbon and reducing the effects of climate change.
Climate
Trees help cool the planet by sucking in and storing harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into their trunks, branches, and leaves — and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. In cities, trees can reduce ambient temperatures by up to 8° Celsius. With more than 50% of the world’s population living in cities — a number expected to increase to 66% by the year 2050 — pollution and overheating are becoming a real threat. Fortunately, a mature tree can absorb an average of 22lbs of carbon dioxide per year, making cities a healthier, safer place to live.
Health
Did you know that hospital patients with rooms overlooking trees recover faster than those without the same view? It’s impossible to ignore that feeling of elation you get while walking through a calm, quiet forest. Trees help reduce stress and anxiety, and allow us to reconnect with nature. In addition, shade provided by tree coverage helps protect our skin from the ever-increasing harshness of the sun.
Social Impact
From arborists to loggers and researchers, the job opportunities provided by the forestry industry are endless. We don’t just rely on trees for work, though. Sustainable tree farming provides timber to build homes and shelters, and wood to burn for cooking and heating. Food-producing trees provide fruit, nuts, berries, and leaves for consumption by both humans and animals, and pack a powerful nutritional punch.
Water
Trees play a key role in capturing rainwater and reducing the risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides. Their intricate root systems act like filters, removing pollutants and slowing down the water’s absorption into the soil. This process prevents harmful waterslide erosion and reduces the risk of over-saturation and flooding. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Association, a mature evergreen tree can intercept more than 15,000 litres of water every year.
Plant Trees for Impact
Reforestation is one of the best ways to restore ecosystems that have been degraded or deforested. Plant trees to support reforestation work in the locations where it is needed most.
Learn More about trees
Trees are essential for our planet’s well-being. They help fight climate change, prevent soil erosion, and support wildlife. Learn more about their importance in understanding forest fires, climate change, deforestation and reforestation. Also, discover different tree species and some fascinating facts about trees!
Trees Species
Dive into the diverse world of tree species. Learn about different types of trees, their unique characteristics, and their importance to our ecosystems.
Tree Facts
Discover fascinating facts about trees and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible role trees play in our world.
Deforestation
Uncover the causes and consequences of deforestation. Learn how deforestation affects our planet and find out how we can take action to protect and restore our forests.
Reforestation
Explore the vital role of reforestation in restoring our planet's health. Understand the benefits of planting trees and discover how we can contribute to creating a greener, more sustainable future.
Climate Change
Discover the connection between climate change and deforestation. Learn about the impact on our planet and find out how we can make a difference through reforestation efforts and sustainable practices.
Forest Fires
Learn how forest fires impact our environment and how we can help. Explore prevention strategies, restoration efforts, and ways to contribute to reforesting affected areas.
