By Qingyang Zhang
You might have noticed an initiative called Team Trees that has been circulating around the internet in the past few weeks. Youtubers Mr. Beast and Mark Rober partnered with Arbor Day Foundation to raise 20 million US dollars by the 1st of January 2020, where every dollar raised is used to plant 1 tree. In response to this initiative, other content creators have released videos to raise awareness about this initiative, and educate the public on how vital trees are for ecosystems, human existence as well as tackling climate change.
The fundraiser was launched on the 25th of October, and since then over 15 million dollars have been raised, showing that the general public has concerns about the environment. This fundraiser has brought people confidence that they can make a difference and boosted their will to act.
This fundraising event highlights the critical situation humans face. Our unsustainable consumption habits are devastating the planet. Although there are alternative sources of energy, we still rely on fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) for the vast majority of our energy consumption. Carbon dioxide, a product of the combustion of fossil fuels, contributes to global warming. In 2017, the world’s carbon dioxide emissions were over 37 million tons. Many claim that a major technological breakthrough is required in order to end our every rising carbon emissions. However, a lot already exist and are merely not being implemented.
Carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere can be reabsorbed by plants and trees and be converted back into oxygen. Therefore, it is believed that afforestation is a crucial aspect of drawing out CO2 from the atmosphere. Paradoxically, humans cut down trees for various purposes such as agriculture, logging or mining. This process is counterproductive to what has to be done and if it continues at current rates (about the area of Switzerland is deforested every year), a vast proportion of the natural world could be in grave danger.
By planting 20 million trees, Team Trees will help lower the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The benefits of planting trees do not stop at reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere; they also have a cooling effect, prevent soil erosion and provide habitats for wildlife. Although planting 20 million trees is not enough to counteract the effects of the millions of tons of carbon dioxide that we pour into the atmosphere, it is a step in the right direction.
However, planting trees is not a simple task. Planting a perfect tree in the wrong situation can damage the environment more than it protects (To find out more about planting trees right, watch this video made by Ecosia). This is why donating to Team Trees and leaving the task in the hands of professionals is the easiest and safest way to contribute to reforestation and the revival of the climate.
Please consider donating to Team Trees or Arbor Day Foundation to support this initiative. Share this article with your friends too so they know about this initiative. Every little bit helps!
