Over 20 companies have pledged to conserve, restore and grow more than 2.5 billion trees in over 50 countries by 2030, through the World Economic Forum’s 1t.org trillion tree platform.
The trillion trees goal does not replace net-zero emission programmes – business and industries still need to decarbonise to meet our climate targets.
1t.org was launched to support the growing momentum around nature-based solutions, to mobilise the global restoration community and to empower anyone who wants to play a part.
The community shares best practices, promotes responsible forestry practices and scales solutions to have global impact.
‘We are at a tipping point. It is our collective responsibility to leave behind a planet that is habitable for future generations. The private sector has a key role to play in bringing their expertise to the table and investing in natural climate solutions, such as restoration.
‘It is encouraging to see more and more companies embracing this needed transition towards net-zero, nature-positive business models.’
NICOLE SCHWAB
Co-director, Platform to Accelerate Nature-Based Solutions, World Economic Forum
The initial wave of companies making global pledges to 1t.org include Amazon, APRIL Group, AstraZeneca, Brambles, Capgemini, Clif Bar, Daterra Coffee, Eni, HP Inc., Iberdrola, Mastercard, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Salesforce, SAP, Shell, Suzano, Teck Resources Ltd., tentree, Travelers, Unilever, UPS, VMware and Zurich Insurance Group.
Companies also work collaboratively through the 1t.org Corporate Alliance by committing to leadership, action, integrity, transparency and learning.
The alliance allows companies to jointly tackle common challenges and connects companies with 1t.org’s community of innovators, partners and regional chapters.
Healthy and resilient trees and forests are one part of the efforts needed to combat climate change.
Studies have shown trees can reduce urban heat island effects by up to 5°C and energy costs by $7.8 billion a year.
Globally, sustainable management of forests could create $230 billion in business opportunities and 16 million jobs worldwide by 2030.
From a health perspective, trees absorb 17.4 million tonnes of air pollutants a year, helping to prevent 670,000 cases of asthma and other acute respiratory symptoms annually.
The chance of extreme wildfires occurring also decreases dramatically when forests are managed properly by, for example, growing specially selected tree species in burned areas and using novel planting techniques for resilience to future wildfires.
1t.org is encouraging all corporations that have set a Paris Agreement-aligned emissions reduction target to get in touch and submit a pledge.
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