A global initiative to plant trees, once hailed as a major step towards combating climate change, is now facing criticism for potentially harming African ecosystems. Scientists warn that ill-judged tree planting efforts, particularly in Africa, could threaten local grasslands and biodiversity. The campaign, backed by Big Tech and various environmental groups, aimed at planting a trillion trees to absorb carbon dioxide. However, recent reports suggest that these initiatives might have adverse effects, such as creating too much shade in certain areas, which could inhibit the photosynthesis process for smaller plants and disrupt the ecosystem balance. This revelation comes amidst concerns over unexpectedly large emissions from Africa's tropical ecosystems, further complicating the narrative around the effectiveness of tree planting as a method to mitigate climate change.
Mystery over ‘unexpectedly large’ emissions from Africa’s tropical ecosystems | @daisydunnesci Read here: https://t.co/UH9Cyjy8hx https://t.co/HrzVgOFzkn
now trees are bad Global tree-planting push threatens African grasslands, warns report https://t.co/Y8DPxK170s
Planting trees can no longer save the planet 🌳 https://t.co/zaaXlkTTGQ
Tree-planting initiatives in Africa could damage ecosystems by creating too much shade. This would make it harder for smaller plants to photosynthesise, with knock-on effects for the rest of the ecosystem https://t.co/X8sCrHObHW
When planting trees is bad for the planet https://t.co/TAeNC9JSlh
Ill-judged tree planting in Africa threatens ecosystems, scientists warn https://t.co/El5hrlnwtA
Global tree-planting push threatens African grasslands, warns report https://t.co/d9dWXskA9H
A Big Tech-backed campaign to plant trees might have taken a wrong turn https://t.co/2OeUHfjEE6
NEW – Mystery over ‘unexpectedly large’ emissions from Africa’s tropical ecosystems | @daisydunnesci Read here: https://t.co/qf2TUEATr2 https://t.co/wSOhC33i4b
So much for phasing out fossil fuels by 2050 to save the planet from anthropogenic climate change… https://t.co/Mdb25xGGIS
Guy Who Urged Planting a Trillion Trees Begs People to Stop Planting So Many Trees https://t.co/VLlGI0f4uB