Environment

Canada commits to planting 2 billion trees over 10 years

The $3.16 billion effort was announced mid-December
  • Jan 06, 2021
  • 290 words
  • 2 minutes
Expand Image
Advertisement

Did you know it takes several years to plant a tree? For most people who plant trees once a year as part of an environmental movement, you’re handed a seedling and a shovel and pointed to a marked spot to dig a little hole and tuck the tree in to grow. 

It starts with a piece of land and a plan, but even that makes it sound simpler than it is. 

You have to carefully consider the soil and the ecosystem where the tree will make its new home, including what the goal is — a forest, a canopy for an urban neighbourhood, reducing wildfire risks? 

Once you’ve come up with a plan, including type and location, the seeds need to be sourced, planted and grown into hardy seedlings. While this is happening, the land also has to be prepared to welcome the trees, which may involve soil remediation. 

The long and extensive process has begun in Canada to plant two billion trees, sparked by an announcement from the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. Thanks to $3.16 billion in funding, this planting effort will help Canada address climate change by reducing carbon pollution and is a key part of Canada’s efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“Planting two billion trees is more than a plan for climate action. It’s a plan for creating thousands of good, green jobs. We’re confronting the urgency of climate change and getting trees in the ground starting this spring,” says O’Regan.

The announcement also comes with more than 4,000 jobs, including longer term commitments  to monitor the trees and their carbon offsets throughout their lifespans. 

Learn more about the two billion trees commitment.

Advertisement

Are you passionate about Canadian geography?

You can support Canadian Geographic in 3 ways:

Related Content

Climate strike Victoria BC

Environment

Why Canada should recognize its citizens’ environmental rights

David Boyd, a Canadian environmental lawyer and UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, reveals how recognizing the human right to a healthy environment can spur positive action for the planet

  • 1444 words
  • 6 minutes

People & Culture

Losing track: The importance of passenger rail corridors

What does it mean for Canada if we continue to pull up train tracks? 

  • 4438 words
  • 18 minutes

Environment

The sixth extinction

The planet is in the midst of drastic biodiversity loss that some experts think may be the next great species die-off. How did we get here and what can be done about it?

  • 4895 words
  • 20 minutes

Travel

Trans Canada Trail celebrates 30 years of connecting Canadians

The trail started with a vision to link Canada coast to coast to coast. Now fully connected, it’s charting an ambitious course for the future.

  • 1730 words
  • 7 minutes