GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Is Canada’s two billion trees goal achievable?

Two billion trees in ten years.

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Four years ago, in an effort to fight climate change, the federal government committed to planting two billion trees by 2030.

For those who cannot grasp the immensity of two billion, it works out to 200 million per year. Gold 540,000 per day. Gold 22,000 per hour.

Let’s give the feds credit where it is due. Planting trees will help fight climate change by absorbing carbon monoxide, and through photosynthesis, will improve air and water quality.

Planting trees will also help soil erosion, provide food and shelter for many organisms and will increase biodiversity.

For us humans who cause climate change, we will receive direct benefit by enjoying shade from trees, improving the economy and enhancing our quality of life.

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The cynic in me wonders if the goal is even remotely achievable. Or if the next set of federal leaders will have the same concern for the environment as today’s.

The prospects for the next political party being sympathetic to Canada’s tree planting goal doesn’t look good.

Our Leader of the Opposition seems to be reading scripts from our neighbors to the south, where Chris Wright, an oil and gas guru, was just appointed energy secretary.

Time will soon tell how the recycled US president, will deliver on his campaign promise to “Drill, baby, drill.”

Planting two billion trees is a monumental, if not impossible task. The federal government was already finding it difficult to invite growers to increase production of seedlings, within a year after Premier Doug Ford in May 2019 canceled Ontario’s 50 million tree program in order to save dollars.

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The Canadian Forest Service, which has been tasked with overseeing the tree planting program, has its work cut out.

Step one is researching to ensure the right trees are planted at the right locations. One of the many challenges they face is the changing hardiness zones. Trees that were suited for climate of a decade or two ago might not be suited for the same spot now that temperatures are higher.

Another major challenge is selecting trees that will grow in urban areas where soil compaction, water runoff and air pollution are enemies of biodiversity.

Trees that would once grow in the forest are not likely to thrive in the same location if next to a subdivision or parking lot.

Next week’s Garden Clippings will explore practical ways for you government and I to participate in the Canadian’s ambitious tree planting program.

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