The Problem with Mass Plantations: An Ecologist's Warning
Ecologist Thomas Crowther warns against the overuse of mass tree plantations and greenwashing at the COP28 summit in Dubai. Crowther argues that the potential of planting new forests to draw down carbon is often overstated and can be harmful to biodiversity. He advocates for preserving existing forests and distributing wealth to Indigenous populations and farmers. Crowther's message has sparked controversy, as his own research previously highlighted the potential benefits of tree restoration. The COP28 summit failed to agree on emissions-counting deals or the establishment of a UN market for carbon credits.
The Problem with Mass Tree Plantations
Ecologist Thomas Crowther warns against the overuse of mass tree plantations and greenwashing at the COP28 summit in Dubai. Crowther argues that the potential of planting new forests to draw down carbon is often overstated and can be harmful to biodiversity. He advocates for preserving existing forests and distributing wealth to Indigenous populations and farmers. Crowther's message has sparked controversy, as his own research previously highlighted the potential benefits of tree restoration.
Controversy and Greenwashing
Crowther's research on tree restoration sparked a tree-planting craze by companies and leaders eager to burnish their green credentials without reducing emissions. However, the study faced criticism from scientists who argued that it had vastly overestimated the land suitable for restoration and the amount of carbon it could draw down. Crowther has since published a more nuanced study, which emphasizes the importance of preserving intact woodlands rather than mass planting. He brought these results to the COP28 summit to combat greenwashing.
The Failure of COP28
The COP28 summit failed to agree on emissions-counting deals or the establishment of a UN market for carbon credits. These failures raise further doubts that carbon offsetting is an effective solution. However, the texts agreed at COP28 included a commitment to reversing forest loss by 2030 and the need for increased support and investment in nature restoration.
