• Natural forests have existed for centuries. They have been there even before industrialisation, and human beings hived off natural forests in efforts to urbanise. 

In efforts to combat the climate crisis, climate experts often advise why tree planting can go a long way in acting as natural carbon sinks. However, it is essential to realise that indigenous trees should be guarded from deforestation. Here is why.

According to a study by Global Change Biology, poorly planned tree planting could actually increase CO2 emissions and have long-term impacts on biodiversity, landscapes and livelihoods. 

Natural forests have existed for centuries. They have been there even before industrialisation, and human beings hived off natural forests in efforts to urbanise. 

A common practice that humans have adapted is planting trees in places where natural forests existed before being deforested. These planted forests won’t necessarily perform the same functions as indigenous trees. 

For one, intact, old-growth forest is a significant long-term carbon sink due to its complex structure, large trees, accumulating soils and relative resilience to fire and drought. Natural Forests are also home to many species of plants, animals, and amphibians. These trees are better adapted to their local climate. They store carbon in their soil, leaf litter, and deadwood.

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These forests prevent erosion and enrich the soil, essential for growing crops. They also protect communities from storms, floods, and landslides.

On November 2, 2021, during COP26, commonly dubbed ‘the nature COP’, world leaders committed to stop and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030. By signing the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests and Land Use, countries representing over 90% of the world's forests, including Canada, Russia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature 2021, forests absorb 2.6 billion tons of CO2 annually, making them an essential solution for climate change. However, they can also be a cause of climate change. Choose wisely.