The threat of global warming is hanging over the world like a Damocles Sword! The disastrous climate change is making an impact around the world fueling stronger hurricanes and forest fires. It is drying up water resources, diminishing food security at an alarming rate, and displacing large populations in search of basic needs.

According to reports by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading international body for the assessment of climate change with scientists from 195 countries, Human activities are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels. This is caused by a large amount of CO₂ emissions in the atmosphere caused due to human activities like fossil fuel production. Deforestation has led to damage to soil and habitats through erosion. Global warming is likely to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate.

Strong actions like reforestation are needed for the prevention of global warming on an urgent basis. Interestingly, these activities can help to reduce global warming that would lead to reducing global poverty. A healthier environment would always increase nutritious agricultural yields and this would improve global health. Reforestation has side benefits in addition to the priceless conservation and expansion of plant and wildlife biodiversity. We can also participate in reforestation by growing our own kitchen garden and planting trees on our terrace. 

Gases like carbon dioxide and methane are the major contributing factors to the changing climates. Planting new trees can help to reduce the amount of CO₂ in the air. Apart from benefiting the climate, reforestation helps protect important species of animals. It also helps to rebuild habitats and degradation which are the leading threats to the health of animal species.

Reforestation can help to reinstate what the erosion has damaged. Regional watersheds, an important resource for human development, which has been damaged by deforestation can be restored to health through reforestation.

The process of reforestation can also help humans to address world hunger issues and handle water usage and availability. The chemical, social and biological levels of the entire ecosystem benefit by restoring forests. Apart from this reforestation can also help to supply jobs for local people or those who lack the skills to be employed in other industries. Therefore, reforestation as a whole benefit, not just the environment in battling global warming, but the economy as well. Practicing organic farming also adds to reforestation. It is time for each and every one of us to save the earth.