PlantTrees

Fund Tree Planting

Planting trees is a popular climate change mitigation strategy, and has been for the last 30 years. There are many reasons to support tree planting, and many great anecdotal stories about such initiatives.

It's worth noting that while tree planting is often discussed as a solution to climate change, the reality is much more complex. The world's forests will be lucky to "break even" in light of the impacts of climate change. With changing fire regimes, as well as changing temperature and insect regimes, forests are coming under more and more pressure. If tree planting can help counter some of that pressure that's great, but it's hard to see tree planting compensating for a substantial part of future fossil fuel emissions. The literature surrounding this topic is very large, and you can enter it through the Forestry Mitigation Index Entry.

Note that in recommending tree planting, we are not recommending purchasing carbon offsets to do so. Partially because that encourages you to feel that "you've done your part," which can be counter-productive in terms of engaging in other efforts, and partially because the carbon offset market faces so many challenges to its environmental integrity. You can learn more at the Offset My Carbon Footprint? option appearing later on this list of What Can I Do? options.

Supplemental Note: If you know of organizations planting trees that fit the criteria discussed here, let us know.  We're happy to provide links to credible organizations. For example:

Oregon Woods supported some of the first carbon offset projects more than 20 years ago (you can see photos if you click on their link), and has learned the challenges and pitfalls of the carbon offset market. Today Oregon Woods is interested in promoting beneficial reforestation projects outside of carbon markets, and has several projects in mind. For more information you can contact Rick Herson (rick-herson@att.net) or Anna Wemple (annathoriawemple@gmail.com).