Planting trees has gained popularity as a climate pledge with forests being known for their ability to absorb CO2. However, scientists who are involved in restoration are of the view that trees alone can never give a solution as carbon can only accumulate slowly over the period of decades.
Planting the Right Trees vs. Regrowth
A recent study focusing on 138 countries has shown that in 46% of suitable locations, regrowth was cheaper as compared to planting trees, while in 54% of places tree planting cost less. Application of the least costly approach would help to eliminate a total of 31.4 bn tons of CO2 accumulated within 30 years.
What is Wrong with Monocultures?
In northeastern Australia, monocultures of planting trees were able to capture 106 tons of CO2 per hectare as opposed to 62 tons captured by timber plantations. Monocultures consume significantly more water compared to mixed forests and provide less habitat for fauna.
What Should be Taken into Consideration?
The choice of trees is very important as planting of an inappropriate tree can lead to negative consequences. For example, in Chile, tree subsidies encouraged elimination of natural forests and replacement of the same with commercial forests. Therefore, protection of existing forests such as Amazon forest and carbon reach peatlands is just as important as planting trees.
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