Everyone is planting trees, but where are they?

Tree planting at Kaptagat Forest.

With increased awareness on effects of climate change on our well-being, everyone is talking tree planting. For some, a declaration, by political leaders, of plans to mitigate the climate problem’s effects on health, food security and nutrition, peace and economic stability as well as development as soon as they get to power, would be sweeter music to our ears.

This is because of the obvious difference political will is capable of adding to climate action outcomes. But many, perhaps assuming it is not an issue their target electorate would easily connect with, have ignored climate change in their manifestoes and campaigns. Agreed, trees - forests - are the low hanging fruit in reversing effects of climate change, and everyone needs to play a part. This has also been the easiest to propose.