geoengineering explained: the benefits and challenges of afforestation

Ecosystems United

8 years ago

Afforestation is the process of planting trees, or sowing seeds, in a barren land devoid of any trees to create a forest. The term should not be confused with reforestation, which is the process of specifically planting native trees into a forest that has decreasing numbers of trees. The increased number of trees helps to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide. Accordingly, this form of geoengineering is considered carbon dioxide removal (CDR).

Table of Contents Toggle BENEFITS CHALLENGES BENEFITS	CHALLENGES
Improves ground water quality Increases the supply of timber and charcoal Provides employment Creates new wildlife habitats Visually attractive Stabilizes river banks and prevents flooding Reduces soil erosion	Real opportunity costs – the land used for afforestation will not be available for other uses, such as housing and food production Must be applied on a global scale to have a significant impact

BENEFITS

CHALLENGES