Reviving Nature: Planting Vs. Preservation, Where Should We Invest?

Tree planting has become an increasingly popular method of combatting climate change, with companies and consumers joining governments and non-profit groups in a global tree-planting boom. However, the question remains: should we invest in planting new trees or focus on saving existing ones? While tree planting can provide a triple win by creating livelihoods, absorbing carbon dioxide, and improving ecosystems, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks. Poorly planned and executed tree-planting projects can worsen the problems they aim to solve, reducing biodiversity and speeding up extinctions. On the other hand, preserving existing mature forests can have a more immediate and profound effect on slowing global warming.

The importance of preserving existing forests and ecosystems

Forests are essential to our planet's health and need to be protected. They are vital for tackling the climate crisis, preserving biodiversity, and supporting local communities. Here are some reasons why preserving existing forests and ecosystems is crucial:

• Climate Change Mitigation: Mature forests are incredibly effective at sequestering carbon, which helps to combat climate change. According to William Moomaw, a leading environmental scientist, preserving existing forests will have a more immediate impact on reducing global warming than planting new trees. It takes decades for young trees to reach their maximum carbon sequestration rate, while mature trees are already storing massive amounts of carbon and can continue to absorb more each year.
• Biodiversity Preservation: Existing forests are irreplaceable for sustaining biodiversity. They provide habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are endangered and depend on the unique characteristics of these ecosystems to survive. Young, secondary forests lack the biodiversity of primary forests, and it can take decades or even centuries for some species to return.
• Ecosystem Services: Intact, healthy forests provide numerous ecosystem services that benefit both people and nature. They improve air and water quality, mitigate climate change, preserve soil, and provide food, medicine, and cultural resources for local communities. Disturbing or destroying these ecosystems can have devastating consequences for both the environment and human well-being.
• Resilience and Resistance: Older forests have stronger, deeper root systems that make them more resilient to natural disasters such as fires, droughts, and floods. They are also more resistant to pests and diseases due to their size and maturity. Young trees, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to these threats and have a higher risk of dying.
• Social and Cultural Significance: Indigenous peoples and local communities often have deep cultural connections to their forests, which provide them with essential resources for their traditional ways of life. Preserving these forests ensures that these communities can maintain their cultural identities, livelihoods, and resilience.
• Economic Benefits: Existing forests offer economic opportunities such as sustainable timber production and ecotourism. Additionally, preserving forests can create jobs in forest management, conservation, and sustainable resource extraction.

In conclusion, preserving existing forests and ecosystems is crucial for addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity, supporting local communities, and maintaining the health and resilience of our planet. While planting new trees is important, especially in degraded lands, the immediate benefits of conserving mature forests cannot be overlooked.

The drawbacks of relying on tree planting

While tree planting can be an effective way to combat climate change, there are several drawbacks to relying solely on this approach. Here are some of the limitations and potential negative consequences of focusing exclusively on tree planting:

• Time: It takes time for trees to grow and reach maturity. According to the UK's Royal Society, it takes at least 10 years for planted trees to reach their maximum carbon sequestration rate, and they won't mature for 20–100 years depending on the species. This delay means that the impact of tree planting on carbon reduction is not immediate, and other short-term solutions are necessary to address the urgent climate crisis.
• Maintenance: Young trees require nurturing and care to survive and thrive. Many tree-planting projects fail to consider the long-term maintenance required. Without proper care, the survival rate of newly planted trees can be low, and the benefits of tree planting may not be fully realized.
• Biodiversity: Young trees and forests support less biodiversity than mature ecosystems. Older forests have more complex ecosystems with rare and unique species. Secondary forests, created by reforestation efforts, often have fewer species and different ecosystems, which can make it difficult for wildlife to adapt and survive.
• Resilience: Small, young trees are more vulnerable to natural disasters, pests, and diseases. They have shallower root systems and are more susceptible to extreme weather events like storms. In contrast, older trees are stronger and more resilient, having developed the ability to cope with stressors over time.
• Carbon Storage: Mature trees store significantly more carbon than young trees. Older trees have had decades or centuries to absorb and store carbon, while young trees have a much lower carbon storage capacity. Therefore, protecting existing forests can be more effective for carbon sequestration than planting new trees.
• Social and Cultural Impact: Indigenous communities and local cultures are often deeply connected to their forests. Older forests provide them with essential resources and support their livelihoods and cultural identities. Young forests may not be able to meet these needs, and the loss of mature forests can lead to negative social and cultural consequences for these communities.
• Limited Land: Tree planting may not always be the best use of land. In some cases, the land could be better utilized for growing food or preserving existing ecosystems. Additionally, tree planting efforts should avoid chopping down existing trees to make way for new ones.

While tree planting can be a valuable part of conservation and climate change strategies, it should not be the sole focus. Protecting and preserving existing forests, addressing the root causes of deforestation, and exploring complementary solutions are also crucial to effectively address these complex issues.

The risks of losing mature forests

Mature forests are critical ecosystems that play a vital role in combating climate change, supporting biodiversity, and protecting livelihoods. However, the risks associated with losing these forests are significant and far-reaching. Here are four to six paragraphs elaborating on the dangers:

Mature forests, also known as primary or old-growth forests, are essential for carbon sequestration, storing massive amounts of carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Deforestation releases vast quantities of stored carbon, contributing significantly to global warming and climate change. For example, the recent wildfires in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, resulted in the emission of 2.4 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide in 2023 alone.

Mature forests harbour an incredible biodiversity, providing habitats for numerous species found nowhere else on Earth. They are home to rare and endangered plants and animals, playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Losing these forests would lead to irreversible biodiversity loss and push many species towards extinction.

For local communities, mature forests are a source of livelihood, providing them with food, medicine, and other essential resources. Additionally, these forests have cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous peoples, with their identities and traditions deeply intertwined with the natural environment. Losing mature forests would uproot communities and result in a loss of cultural heritage.

Mature forests also play a vital role in regulating local temperatures and rainfall patterns, influencing the climate of the surrounding regions. Deforestation can disrupt these patterns, leading to adverse effects on human health and agricultural productivity. Furthermore, mature forests act as a natural buffer against extreme weather events, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The loss of mature forests can have far-reaching consequences for human well-being, with approximately 1.6 billion people relying on them for their livelihoods. Deforestation can lead to social and economic instability, displacement of communities, and increased vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.

Protecting mature forests is of paramount importance, not only for the environment but also for the well-being of human societies. These forests are irreplaceable, and their loss would have long-lasting and devastating consequences for both nature and humanity.

The benefits of mature forests for local communities

Mature forests are essential for local communities, offering a range of ecological, economic, and social advantages. Firstly, they play a vital role in carbon sequestration, storing massive amounts of carbon in their trunks, branches, leaves, and roots. This helps to mitigate the effects of global climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Secondly, mature forests provide critical resources such as food, medicine, and firewood to local communities, contributing to food sustainability and cultural practices. They also support an incredible diversity of wildlife, offering habitat to numerous vertebrate and invertebrate species, including many endangered and unique species that are dependent on these ecosystems for their survival.

Mature forests also have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of local residents. They improve air quality by removing harmful pollutants and act as a "natural air filter." Additionally, spending time in nature has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved moods, and increased life satisfaction.

From an economic perspective, mature trees can increase property values and reduce energy costs for communities. The shade provided by large trees can lower energy consumption for cooling, while their preservation can also reduce the need for costly grey infrastructure solutions for stormwater management.

Furthermore, mature forests contribute to community safety by reducing crime rates and fostering social ties. The presence of large trees in public spaces encourages residents to gather and engage in physical activities, promoting social interaction and a sense of community.

Lastly, mature forests hold cultural and historical significance for local communities. They are often associated with a sense of pride and can become a source of tourism, further contributing to the economic well-being of the region.

In summary, investing in the preservation and protection of mature forests is crucial for local communities. By doing so, we not only address the pressing issue of climate change but also enhance the social, economic, and ecological well-being of the people who depend on these natural ecosystems.

The time it takes for newly planted trees to grow

Newly planted trees require regular and consistent watering until their root systems are established. This can take a few years, and the time varies depending on the tree's size and species. For the first couple of years, a sapling will grow slowly, and most of the growth will be happening underground as the roots work their way into the soil. After about two years, the roots will be established, and the tree will start to grow at a faster rate.

During the first year, a sapling's energy is dedicated to stretching out its roots as wide and deep as possible to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. This means that the tree may not gain much height during this time, appearing to "sleep". In the second year, the tree will still be growing its roots, but it will also start to give some energy to growing its trunk and branches. This is known as the "creep" stage. After a couple of years of root extension, the tree will be able to absorb more water and nutrients, fuelling the growth of its upper body. This is when the tree will "leap" in height and start to grow at a faster rate.

The establishment time for trees increases with tree size. Trunk caliper at planting time can be used to determine how long it will take for the roots to establish. For example, newly planted shrubs in Minnesota are considered established when their root spread equals the spread of the above-ground canopy, which takes one to two years.

It is important to note that inconsistent watering is a common reason for the poor survival of new trees. It is recommended to water newly planted trees every two to three days, providing at least 10-15 gallons of water per week. Larger trees will need more water, with trees over 2 inches in trunk diameter at chest height requiring 8-10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter per week.

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