For over 30 years, Plant With Purpose has advocated for planting trees as a simple but powerful response to the environmental challenges that our planet faces.
Swiss researcher Tom Crowther speaks about planting trees urgently. As far as climate solutions go, “it is available now,” he says. “It is the cheapest one possible and every one of us can get involved.”
As these challenges intensify, different nations are ambitiously planting more trees. This has resulted in some amazing and inspiring examples around the globe. Here are some of our favorite recent stories:
Ethiopia planted over 350 million trees in a single day
Ethiopia is now believed to hold the record for the largest tree planting effort in a single day, after planting 350 million on July 29. This exceeded the government’s goal of planting over 200 million seedlings that day.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister has announced further plans to plant four billion trees in total during the summer. This comes as a concentrated effort to solve problems that have contributed to food insecurity in Plant With Purpose’s newest country.
The effort gained wide-spread involvement from a number of different sectors throughout Ethiopia. A number of schools and different offices were closed so students and workers could participate.
150 years ago, forests covered a third of Ethiopia. By the year 2000, that number dropped to 4%. A recovery of those green spaces holds a lot of potential for water security, soil fertility, and stabilized climate in the region.
In another major tree planting effort, India planted 220 million trees
This campaign took place in Uttar Pradesh, which is the country’s most populated state. India held the previous effort for most trees planted in a day, but this attempt far eclipsed that previous effort.
India planted 50 million trees in one day
Geotag technology helps track the location of different sapling planting locations. In total, over 60,000 villages and 83,000 forest ranges added trees.
India has had a number of environmental challenges, from its very large population to fast industrialization. Poverty in many parts of India result in unsustainable practices. Plant With Purpose aims to reverse this cycle.
The Philippines instituted tree planting as a graduation requirement
In a more innovative attempt to make environmental restoration a shared effort amongst the 12th largest population in the world, the Filipino Congress has passed the Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act.
Estimates suggest that over the course of its first generation, this bill will result in over 500 billion trees planted. This commemorative practice will now take place at each level of graduation, from elementary school to high school and college.
The tropical nation has wrestled with deforestation significantly. Widespread development has led to a loss of 25 million acres of forest space.
The islands are a biodiversity hotspot, home to a diverse array of bird, coral, and marine species.
The Philippines also ranks as the country with the most environmental activists killed each year. Bringing its entire population on board via the education system can further unlock long term impact.
Plant With Purpose exists to help plant trees in eight nations facing deforestation. We also address related spiritual and economic challenges. You can be a part of this movement. Become a Purpose Partner and you’ll plant a microforest in one of these countries each month.
