Planting trees is not enough: Lasting climate benefits depend on land rights and livelihoods

A recent study from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich reveals that the potential for afforestation and reforestation to capture CO₂ is significantly undermined by social and institutional challenges. While planting trees has been recognized as a viable strategy to combat climate change, the reality is that many of these efforts are stymied by poverty, food insecurity, insecure land rights, and weak governance.

Currently, efforts to create and restore forests have expanded forest cover by over 300 million hectares, which has helped remove around 2.2 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually. However, this potential for carbon dioxide removal may be lost in areas facing significant social and institutional barriers, particularly in tropical regions. In Europe and China, these challenges are less prevalent, but they are more pronounced in Africa, India, and Brazil.

To achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050, the study emphasizes the need for credible climate strategies that not only focus on afforestation and reforestation but also address the underlying social and institutional constraints. Strengthening livelihoods, land rights, and institutions is vital for the success and longevity of forest restoration efforts. While planting forests can complement broader climate action, it cannot replace it.