Ten Reasons to Care about Tree Planting

As we embark on our 10 million tree plantation journey with Plantation with Purpose, here are ten facts (backed by studies and statistics!) about the diverse benefits trees and tree plantations bring:

1. We all know that trees produce oxygen through photosynthesis. It is one of the main reasons their role on the planet is so critical. But did you know that the economic value with respect to the oxygen producing ability of a healthy tree was estimated to be ~ Rs. 23.72 lakhs per year according to an NGO Delhi Greens?¹
2. A 2016 study of 9 lakh street trees in California (published in ‘Urban Forestry & Urban Greening’) found that for every $1 spent on tree planting and management in urban spaces, the benefits derived as a result were worth $5.82.² While planting trees just like any other environmental activity needs monetary inputs, the returns and range of ecosystem services they provide are certainly diverse.
3. Just like oceans provide one of the most important ecosystem services of absorbing the majority of the emissions, forests too are responsible for absorbing 30% of the carbon dioxide!³
4. The role of trees as an above-ground carbon sink is continually emphasised. One global study that made big headlines in 2019 reported that plantation of half a trillion trees and restoring 0.9 billion hectares of woodlands and forests has the potential to capture 205 gigatonnes (205 billion metric tonnes) of CO₂ from the air. The researchers calculated the capacity for this extra 0.9 billion ha in their study of the planet’s tree coverage.^{4, 5}
5. A 2016 Nature Conservancy reported that an investment of $100 million in tree planting every year could make cities cooler for 77 million people and give 68 million people clean air.⁶
6. Forest ecosystems also support 57% of rural livelihoods in India according to the 2020 New Nature Economy report by the World Economic Forum.⁷
7. But trees are more than just a carbon sink. A 5% increase in tree cover can reduce stormwater runoff by ~2%.⁸ Stormwater runoff is an important issue in urban areas, where streets are paved because the ground doesn’t absorb the water (as opposed to in a natural landscape). This rainwater eventually flows into smaller local water bodies, picking up pollutants from the ground on the way. Stormwater runoff can also cause erosion and flooding in these waterbodies where they end up. Therefore trees’ ability to reduce this runoff in urban settings is critical to the local biodiversity and as a flooding prevention measure.
8. The fact that trees are a great shade provider is not just a myth! This is done through their shading and cooling effect. According to an infographic by the FAO, when placed strategically around buildings, the shading effect of a tree can reduce the need for air conditioning by 30%.⁹ This can lead to an overall reduced electricity bill for the building residents and users as well. In urban areas this is critical because the urban island heat effect already heats up the city due to the dense presence of concrete structures.
9. Research by The Nature Conservancy and Analysis Group looked into the direct impact of urban trees and human health (calculated for cardiovascular and respiratory conditions) across 27 cities. It found that tree plantations in urban areas can reduce health costs for millions of people.¹⁰
10. The classic suggestion of relaxing in nature to destress holds true scientifically as well. One study done at the University of Wollongong in Australia reported that in areas with tree canopy of more than 30%, people had 31% less chances of developing distress and rated their overall health better (over a six year period).¹¹ It is therefore no surprise that mindful meditation, and focus apps often have one thing in common – their nature-oriented themes. Their presence is soothing not just through the calming effect in a digital interface but in real life as well!

Often, tree plantation projects also come under the spotlight due to their inconsideration of the native biodiversity, large monocultures, and lack of post-plantation management and planning. Reforesting, restoring, and creating new planted areas should be looked as one of the solutions to the global problems (although they may suffice at a local level for example, as seen with Plantation with Purpose). However, their myriad benefits in addressing most of the current problems cannot be overlooked either. Tree plantations that support a region’s native ecosystem, flora, fauna, protect the soil, provide income support to communities while ensuring their involvement should not be overlooked in the recent flurry of mass tree planting schemes. This is one way to avoid the mistakes that might come with a generic tree plantation program; one that is done for the sake of simply planting a tree.

Our latest initiative in collaboration with Terracon Ecotech Pvt. Ltd, the implementation partner, is a mission to populate 10 million trees in Thane district, Maharashtra. The project goes beyond your generic tree planting scheme and tackles 11 crucial purposes i.e. objectives, under which the plantations will be done to address the region’s needs and issues. The program aims to uplift communities, propagate traditional ecological knowledge, assure food and income security while creating a sustainable community.
Learn more about the initiative below!