The climate crisis is an enormous threat to our future, but we are not powerless against it. One way to start fighting climate change on an individual level is to contribute to the recovery of the world’s forests by planting a tree.

Each year we lose over 18 million acres of forest to deforestation, specially in immensely biodiverse areas like the Amazon basin. As a result, we are also losing vital ecosystems and destabilizing the planet’s natural order.

Furthermore, deforestation contributes directly to the climate crisis, since it is thought to be responsible for about 17% of all climate change emissions.

A tree, a solution

There is still a long way to go in the fight against climate change, and even though governments and policy makers have a huge responsibility when it comes to finding solutions, there are also simple, accessible tools that can help companies and individuals take action.

Planting trees is one of the most efficient solutions to fight climate change and protect the world’s biodiversity. Trees regulate the temperature of the planet, purify water, filter the air, protect the soil and absorb C02. And, of course, forests and jungles are home to millions of species and people.

So, how can we contribute to reforestation? These three non-profit organizations are helping people and companies plant trees where they are most needed -and all without ever leaving the comfort of home. 

Tree Nation

Tree Nation’s reforestation projects help restore forests, create jobs, support local communities and protect biodiversity. In Colombia and Peru, for example, they support local initiatives that protect medicinal plants and at risk native species. These projects also collaborate with locals to find more sustainable ways to work the land.

Anyone can plant a tree with Tree Nation: you simply choose a project and select the species and number of trees you want to plant. They also have monthly plans for those looking to off-set their carbon footprint.

Trillion Trees Movement 

This initiative is part of the World Economic Forum and its mission is to conserve, restore and grow one trillion trees by 2030.

Their project in the Amazon basin is especially critical, since this region of Latin America contains 10% of the world’s biodiversity and is home to 30 million people. 

With Trillion Trees Movement companies can invest in the future of the planet: their donations are used to finance and scale conservation and reforestation projects around the globe.

Ecosia

Ecosia is a search engine that directs its profits to tree-planting projects. Since its founding in 2009 they have planted over 152 million trees worldwide. 

But it’s not all about quantity over quality. Their reforestation projects prioritize native species from each area, which helps restore and protect biodiversity hotspots. Ecosia also monitors their projects with satellite tech and by partnering with locals.

Ecosia is easy to use and is readily available: you just need to get the free browser extension to plant trees with every search.