Forests are critical to the health of the planet. They sequester carbon, regulate global temperatures and freshwater flows, provide habitats for wildlife, recharge groundwater, anchor fertile soil, and act as flood barriers. However, the global degradation and loss of forests are destabilising the planet on a scale unseen in human history. We have lost nearly half of the 6 trillion trees that existed on Earth before the onset of agriculture 12,000 years ago, and each year we lose around 15 billion more.
Green jungle landscape, Colombia.
The global movement to plant more trees
The cost to business is increasingly evident, as more than half of our annual global GDP, or $44 trillion, is potentially threatened by nature loss. To combat this, companies from across sectors are working together through the World Economic Forum's 1t.org initiative, which serves the global movement to conserve, restore, and grow 1 trillion trees by 2030.
More than 80 companies have pledged to invest in trees by conserving, restoring, and growing over 7 billion trees in over 65 countries. By investing in trees, the sustainable management of forests could create $230 billion in business opportunities worldwide by 2030.
Read more: Why we need to plant more trees
Companies from diverse sectors, such as mining and automotive manufacturing, aim to invest in tree planting. Meta has partnered with the National Indian Carbon Coalition (NICC) to ensure that carbon-reducing plans include the leadership, traditional ecological knowledge, and vision of Indigenous peoples. Mahindra also committed to invest in tree planting. Over 1 million trees annually through its Project Hariyali initiative and has already planted over 20 million trees.
Read more: Trees are nature's water managers: the importance of trees in water conservation
Tree nursery - Sawa Afforestation Project, Cameroon, DGB.
Driving global impact: The future of forest conservation
To drive impact in priority regions, including China, the United States, Mexico, the African Union’s Great Green Wall for the Sahara and the Sahel Initiative, and the Amazon Basin, the World Economic Forum's 1t.org initiative has established local chapters and working groups. These regional initiatives demonstrate the power of businesses, government, and civil society working together to invest in tree planting and protecting and restoring forests.
To get involved, companies can pledge their forest commitments through the 1t.org Corporate Alliance, which brings private companies together under a shared goal to protect the environment and work sustainably. Collaboration and partnerships are essential to meet the trillion trees vision. Companies can also support the vision to conserve, restore, and grow 1 trillion trees by 2030 by championing ecopreneurship and innovation through the Forum's UpLink initiative.
Read more: Investing for the good: How socially responsible investing is driving economic sustainability
From business opportunities to environmental protection: The importance of investing in trees
In conclusion, to invest in tree planting is essential to combat global emissions, changing climates, and preventing biodiversity loss. By working together, global companies can drive business opportunities, protect the environment, and contribute to the growing momentum of nature-based solutions to address the emissions crisis and nature loss.
Tree seedlings - Sawa Afforestation Project, Cameroon, DGB.
Join the global movement with DGB Group to conserve, restore, and grow 1 trillion trees by 2030 and help make a positive impact on the health of our planet. With our tree subscription, you can plant any number of trees and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
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