Trees Help Fight Climate Change

Trees protect us from the heat of the day, bear fruits we eat, and beautify the landscape. Cutting down trees for fuel is a major cause of deforestation and desertification, and it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Trees are essential to the environment: the vital oxygen they produce helps eliminate air pollution, lower temperatures, and moisten the air. By holding soil in place and slowing down water runoff, trees prevent soil erosion, control avalanches, reduce desertification, protect coastal areas, and stabilize sand dunes. Birds and other animals rely on trees for shelter and food. The same is true for children.

Tree destruction is also a gender and health issue. Women and girls spend increasing hours each day collecting firewood and are disproportionately exposed to indoor smoke from cooking.

Protecting the environment through tree planting is one of the foundations of development. For example, the Government of Ethiopia set a goal to plant 20 million trees. United Nations agencies have worked closely with authorities to mobilize the public, especially children and youth, and encourage them to take on this challenge.

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