No “Treegrets”: Ecologist Urges Halt to Mass Tree Planting

January 13, 2024 Phillip Sahakian-Stallworth

No “Treegrets”: Ecologist Urges Halt to Mass Tree Planting

Written by Phillip Sahakian-Stallworth [B.S Environmental Science and Geology]

As our global community has been rallying behind a halt to all the senseless killings happening in numerous countries, climate experts and advocates have turned their attention to the recent Dubai Climate Conference in awe. Held from November 30th to December 12th (UNFCCC 2023), reducing and eliminating fossil fuel pollution has been the main objective on the agenda for these meetings from the inception, but climate activists are baffled by the “solutions” being discussed- and now one of the leading initiatives sparked from these conversations is turning a new leaf.

More Trees Please

In 2019, ecologist Thomas Crowther advocated for planting trillions of trees to combat carbon emissions. However, at the recent UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, Crowther, the former chief scientific adviser for the Trillion Trees Campaign, urged a cessation of mass tree planting (Landymore 2023). He highlighted drawbacks such as biodiversity loss and the ineffectiveness of trees as carbon capturers. Crowther expressed concern that tree planting is used as an excuse to avoid cutting emissions. His earlier optimistic stance in 2019 led to widespread initiatives, but subsequent research and a recent study in Nature now emphasize the importance of preserving existing forests over planting new ones (Crowther et al. 2023, #). Crowther advocates for proper environmental practices, including wealth distribution to Indigenous populations and communities living with biodiversity. The debate over the role of carbon offsetting in climate change continues, but the destructive impact of deforestation remains a pressing concern.

Ecologist Crowther emphasized the need to "kill" greenwashing: He argued that ending this practice doesn't mean halting investments in nature but rather ensuring that such investments are conducted correctly. By doing so, the focus can shift from deceptive greenwashing to genuine efforts that promote sustainability and address the root causes of environmental issues.

What is Greenwashing?

Greenwashing is a deceptive practice employed by companies or countries wherein they exaggerate or falsely promote their environmentally friendly initiatives to create a positive public image while deflecting attention from less eco-friendly practices (“What Is Greenwashing?” 2023). This misleading communication strategy can contribute to the overshadowing of genuine global environmental efforts in several ways:

Diversion of Attention: Companies engaged in greenwashing often focus on highlighting specific eco-friendly actions or projects, drawing attention away from their overall environmental impact. This can divert public and regulatory attention from broader issues such as high carbon emissions, deforestation, or pollution.
False Impressions of Sustainability: Greenwashing creates a false impression that a company or country is more environmentally responsible than it actually is. This can mislead consumers, investors, and policymakers into thinking that significant progress is being made when, in reality, core environmental problems may persist.
Undermining Legitimate Initiatives: Genuine environmental initiatives may be undermined by greenwashing efforts. When companies falsely claim to be leaders in sustainability, it can make it challenging for consumers and stakeholders to distinguish between authentic and deceptive environmental practices.
Delaying Necessary Changes: By using greenwashing as a public relations tactic, entities may avoid making the necessary fundamental changes to reduce their environmental impact. This delay can hinder progress toward more sustainable practices and impede the achievement of global environmental goals.
Reduced Accountability: Greenwashing can contribute to a sense of complacency, where companies or countries feel they can get away with superficial or minimal environmental efforts without facing significant consequences. This lack of accountability may hinder the development and implementation of stringent environmental regulations.

Conclusion: Navigating the Green Path Forward

The evolution of Crowther's perspective underscores the dynamic nature of environmental discourse: While his initial call in 2019 spurred widespread initiatives, subsequent research and a recent study in Nature highlight the pivotal importance of preserving existing forests over the well-intentioned act of planting new ones. Crowther advocates for a shift towards proper environmental practices, emphasizing wealth distribution to Indigenous populations and communities residing amidst biodiversity (Crowther Lab, n.d.).

As the debate over the role of carbon offsetting continues, it is clear that mitigating the destructive impact of deforestation remains paramount. The concluding challenge is not only to uncover and rectify deceptive practices but also to channel investments in nature responsibly. The path forward involves meticulous scrutiny of environmental initiatives, ensuring that they not only reflect genuine commitment but also address the root causes of our ecological challenges. By embracing this nuanced approach, we can pave the way for a sustainable future that transcends greenwashing and aligns with the true spirit of environmental stewardship.

By adopting some of the following alternatives businesses and organizations can contribute authentically to the global effort to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Let us always remember and practice that it's the trickles that break the levees- it's our responsibility to do our part in taking action to bring the change we want to see in the world.

Transparent Reporting:
Provide accurate and transparent information about environmental practices, emissions, and sustainability initiatives.
Third-Party Verification:
Seek third-party certifications or audits from reputable environmental organizations to validate sustainability claims.
- Independent verification adds credibility and assures stakeholders of the authenticity of environmental efforts.
Setting Realistic Targets:
Establish achievable and measurable emissions reduction targets.
- Communicate clear timelines and milestones for reaching these targets to demonstrate commitment and accountability.
Lifecycle Analysis:
Conduct a comprehensive lifecycle analysis of products and services to assess the environmental impact from production to disposal.
- Use this information to make informed decisions about reducing carbon footprints at every stage.
Investment in Renewable Energy:
Direct investments toward renewable energy sources to transition away from fossil fuels.
- Support and implement on-site renewable energy solutions to power operations sustainably.
Circular Economy Practices:
Embrace circular economy principles, focusing on reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling products.
- Design products with longevity and recyclability in mind.
Innovation and Research:
Invest in research and development for innovative, sustainable technologies.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation to find greener alternatives in operations.
Community Engagement:
Engage with local communities and stakeholders to understand and address environmental concerns.
- Foster partnerships with communities affected by business operations and involve them in sustainable decision-making.
Education and Awareness:
Educate employees, customers, and stakeholders about the environmental impact of products and services.
- Encourage sustainable practices and lifestyles both within and outside the organization.
Carbon Offsetting with Accountability:
If utilizing carbon offsetting, ensure it is a complementary strategy and not a substitute for direct emissions reduction efforts.
- Choose verified and reputable carbon offset projects that contribute to real, additional emissions reductions.

References

Crowther, Thomas W., et al. “Integrated global assessment of the natural forest carbon potential.” Nature, no. 624, 2023, pp. 92-101. Nature, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06723-z. Accessed 20 December 2023.
Crowther Lab. Crowther Lab: Home Page, https://crowtherlab.com/. Accessed 20 December 2023.
Landymore, Frank. “Guy Who Urged Planting a Trillion Trees Begs People to Stop Planting So Many Trees.” Yahoo, Futurism, 16 December 2023, https://news.yahoo.com/guy-urged-planting-trillion-trees-140040977.html?.tsrc=daily_mail&uh_test=0_00&guccounter=2. Accessed 20 December 2023.
UNFCCC. COP28 UAE - United Nations Climate Change Conference, https://www.cop28.com/en/. Accessed 20 December 2023.
“What Is Greenwashing?” NRDC, 9 February 2023, https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-greenwashing. Accessed 20 December 2023.