In a world grappling with environmental challenges and global warming, reforestation stands out as a powerful solution that offers several benefits to combat climate-related threats.
By planting trees in bare or barren areas, reforestation can have a number of positive effects, from combating climate change to increasing biodiversity, as it is key to a healthy planet and thriving communities.
Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues, and forestry has an important role to play in mitigating it. Trees are champions in absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis – hence forests are known as carbon sinks.
By planting trees and restoring forests, carbon can be effectively sequestered to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Forests have an extraordinary ability to regulate local and regional climate.
The shade provided by tree canopies helps reduce the temperature in urban areas by creating a cooling effect. Trees release water vapor into the air through evapotranspiration and it cools the surroundings.
The forest acts as a natural air conditioner, mitigating the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than the surrounding rural areas.
Trees can reduce heat-related stress and premature death during high temperatures and heat waves. The World Health Organization reports that more than 166,000 people died from heat waves between 1998 and 2017, and the risk is increasing due to climate change.
By planting strategic trees in urban settings, microclimates can be created that provide respite from the heat and increase overall climate stability.
In times of increasing air pollution, trees appear as natural purifiers. It improves air quality by absorbing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone and particulate matter. Through photosynthesis, plants also release oxygen, which is essential for our well-being.
Forestry activities have the potential to combat respiratory health problems such as asthma and other respiratory diseases. According to the WHO, nine out of ten people in the world breathe polluted air. This leads to millions of preventable illnesses and deaths.
By increasing tree cover in urban areas and industrial zones, we can create a cleaner and healthier environment for people.
Biodiversity is essential for all life on Earth, and forests are living ecosystems that support many species of plants and animals. Humans use at least 40,000 different species of plants and animals every day for food, shelter, clothing, and medicinal purposes.
Forests play an important role in the conservation and restoration of biodiversity. By planting a variety of tree species, we foster a balanced and resilient ecosystem and create a habitat for a variety of plants, insects, birds and mammals. Researchers have found that up to 2.3 million living species can live in one tree!
Healthy soil is the foundation for sustainable agriculture and thriving ecosystems. Forests help protect and restore soil health by preventing erosion and improving soil structure. The tree’s extensive root system binds the soil, reducing the risk of landslides and soil degradation.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led Punjab government has launched a ‘Plants for Pakistan’ campaign targeting tree seedlings, which are essential to combat environmental degradation, smog and other climate problems in Pakistan.
Almost all provincial departments, including the civil secretariat, forest department, park and horticulture department, Lahore Development Authority, water and sanitation department and city district administration, have opened the campaign as per the instructions of the Punjab chief minister.
Apart from planting trees or talking about growing trees, there is an immediate need for “Green Urgent” to combat climate change and reduce smog in Pakistan. Pakistan loses about 27,000 hectares of natural forest area every year, as about 68 percent of Pakistan’s population depends on firewood as the main source of household energy.
“Since March last year, Lahore’s Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has planted more than a million saplings in the city, focusing on underserved areas, and became the first government department to distribute electric bicycles. to fight air pollution,” said DG Parks & Horticulture Authority Lahore while talking to APP.
He said PHA has also developed the largest government-owned commercial nursery in the city in Gulberg and this year; Authorities aim to increase Lahore’s green cover several times to reduce AQI during peak smog season.
