Trees: Powerful Allies in the Fight Against Climate Change
Trees are among the most effective and accessible tools we have to fight climate change. Planting trees complements everyday actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions — whether that’s carpooling, improving your home’s insulation, or lowering overall energy use.
At the same time, trees enhance biodiversity, support wildlife, and contribute to healthier, more attractive communities.
Why Plant Trees?
Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their wood as they grow. Growing forests can store significant amounts of carbon over time.
On average, 98 trees capture and store about one tonne of carbon dioxide from the air each year.
Over the past 200 years, the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has steadily increased, largely due to human activities such as transportation and energy use. Planting trees offers a simple and effective way to help offset this trend.
Planting trees is one of the simplest and most effective way to help offset this trend.
Trees Can Do More Than You Think
Over an 80-year lifespan, the average Canadian tree can absorb around 200 kg of carbon dioxide, along with other pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and sulphur dioxide.
A large mature tree can also produce enough oxygen each day to support up to four people.
Trees play a key role in improving environmental conditions. Trees
- Cool urban areas by providing shade
- Reduce stormwater runoff during heavy rain
- Stabilize soil
- Create essential habitat for birds and wildlife
Beyond their ecological benefits, trees contribute to our overall well-being by improving air quality and enhancing natural surroundings.
Source: Tree Canada
More Trees Benefit Everyone — Landowners, Wildlife, and the Environment
Research conducted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration Shelterbelt Centre in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, has shown that trees and shrubs play an important role in sequestering atmospheric carbon, helping reduce greenhouse gas concentrations.
By capturing carbon from the atmosphere, trees help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Shelterbelts and Biodiversity In Agricultural Landscapes
In agricultural settings, shelterbelts—rows of trees planted to reduce wind and protect soil—are widely used. These are often composed of a single species such as green ash, lilac, caragana, or maple. While effective for wind protection and providing nesting cover, single-species plantings offer limited biodiversity and food sources.
Introducing a greater diversity of plants can significantly improve ecological value. For example, fruit-bearing shrubs such as silver buffaloberry provide an important winter food source for wildlife that remain in colder climates year-round. By diversifying shelterbelts, landowners can enhance habitat quality while still benefiting from wind protection and snow retention.
Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
A Simple Action with Lasting Impact
Planting trees works hand in hand with other climate-friendly choices you make — from carpooling to improving your home’s energy efficiency.
At the same time, trees help create healthier ecosystems, stronger wildlife populations, and build greener, more resilient communities across Canada.
