Global warming: is reforestation (really) the solution?

Reforestation* or afforestation* are indeed among the solutions likely to produce long-term effects recommended by the IPCC . But the authors of the report on "Climate Change and Soil", published in early August 2019, draw attention to the fact that forests do not store CO2 indefinitely. While reforestation is one of the most interesting options for combating climate change, "This solution (must) be implemented in moderation (so as not to compete with other land uses) and in concert with a set of other recommendations."

Presenting reforestation as a miracle solution is also completely counterproductive, in the eyes of Duncan MacLaren (Lancaster University, Scotland). In an article republished at the end of August on the French website The Conversation, this Scottish researcher believes that "promising easy and economical CO2 removal in the future reduces the chances that time and money will be invested today in reducing emissions." Such promises could also encourage public decision-makers not to question the existing model. A model that has, however, largely proven its limitations in the eyes of many experts and scientists.

The tree that hides the forest?

"While incentives for reforestation and carbon capture are valuable, trees and the technological response should not bear the burden of combating climate change alone," the researcher believes. He concludes: "This requires immediate political action to reduce emissions to initiate the transformation of economies and societies." Reforestation is therefore one of the possible solutions to combat climate change, but it cannot be presented as a miracle solution. The tree must not hide the forest of transformations and complementary actions that must be implemented to meet the challenge that awaits us.

Alexandrine Civard-Racinais

Keywords :

Reforestation : Planting trees with the aim of repopulating an area deforested by man.

Afforestation : Planting of trees by man with the aim of repopulating an area that has long remained deforested, or has never been known as such.