A program was launched in 2021 to plant two billion trees across the country within 10 years as a way to try to thwart climate change’s negative impacts on the world.
The more trees there are in the country, less carbon dioxide will be in the atmosphere, less floods will occur and less wildland fires will occur, according to the government.
So far, since the two billion trees initiative began, over 110 million saplings have been put in the ground. The target for the summer of 2023 was initially set at 90 million; however, the tree planters have already exceeded expectations.
Because BC has been most heavily impacted by its record-setting wildfire season this year, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson has promised 35 million trees at a significant federal investment for the areas impacted by these fires.
“Planting two billion trees over 10 years is a key part of Canada’s plan to fight climate change, preserve our biodiversity and restore valuable habitats,” said Wilkinson.
“These trees will clean the air we breathe, make our urban spaces more enjoyable, provide new habitats for wildlife and help us adapt to our changing climate while mitigating its impacts by sequestering carbon emissions.”
“Our existing progress and new agreements announced today represent significant steps in the right direction,” the minister added.
By 2031, the government will have invested over $3.2 billion in tree planting organizations, which they need to be able to meet the lofty goal they’ve set for themselves.
Currently, there is an active call-to-action for organizations who plant trees and there is funding available.
Any BC-based and Vancouver Island-based organization can submit a proposal and receive funding to plant trees in areas where biodiversity has been impacted.
