1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

The billion tree plan

26:01

This browser does not support the video element.

May 14, 2022

Planting trees will save the climate. At least, that’s the claim of many environmental organizations. As a result, massive reforestation efforts are taking place worldwide. But just how effective are these campaigns?

It sounds tempting: If we can just plant enough trees, we can halt climate change. And we won’t even need to change our lifestyles that much. It’s a theory promoted by science: A Swiss university study made headlines in July 2019 when it said that 900 million hectares of land are available for reforestation worldwide, and that reforesting this area would compensate for two thirds of CO2 emissions caused by human activity. But is it really that simple? How can conflicts over land use be avoided? Who will mediate between farmers and tree planters? How many billions of trees need to be planted to balance emissions? And are reforestation projects really of long-term use for our climate? This film reportage goes in search of answers in Australia and India.

Skip next section About the show

About the show

DocFilm

Exciting stories, a wide variety of topics, fascinating pictures: every day, half or three-quarters of an hour of carefully researched background reports from the worlds of politics, business, science, culture, nature, history, lifestyle and sport.

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW