How does the tree, one of nature’s greatest symbols, help fight climate change?

Discover the fundamental role of trees in combating climate change and promoting our well-being

We all suffer from extreme temperatures caused by climate change, and we know we need to adapt to these effects. Well, trees are our greatest allies in fighting these changes. They help regulate rainfall patterns and capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, one of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) responsible for the greenhouse effect.

Considering their vital importance, September 21 is celebrated as Arbor Day in Brazil. This date, established by Brazilian decree No. 55,795 on February 24, 1965, aims to spread knowledge about forest conservation. It also highlights the importance of trees for the progress of the nation and the well-being of its citizens.

Want to know more about how this great ally of nature works? Keep reading this text and learn how our trees contribute to improving the climate.

The role of trees in mitigating greenhouse gases

To understand this function, it is important to know that plants are able to produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis. They do this with the help of chlorophyll, a substance that absorbs sunlight and uses this energy to break down water and CO₂ molecules. This entire process produces glucose and releases oxygen into the atmosphere.

The glucose is transported throughout the plant via the phloem. As it is distributed to the plant tissues, cellular respiration occurs, where glucose is broken down to generate energy for the plant to grow.

By performing photosynthesis and respiration, plants form biomass and help sequester carbon, reducing the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere. In the roots, substances resulting from this process come into contact with microorganisms that help fix carbon in the soil.

Finally, there is also a process called transpiration, which occurs when the plant releases water directly into the atmosphere through small pores called stomata. By transpiring, plants directly influence the water cycle and rainfall patterns. This is why trees are so important in the fight against climate change.

Whether native or cultivated, the presence of these plants in the environment is essential for climate regulation and for our well-being.

Restoration of native forests and their importance for climate balance

When we talk about native trees, we should remember that one of the most promising approaches to address climate change and biodiversity loss is forest restoration. Native trees play a central role in this process, as they support local wildlife and promote the natural regeneration of ecosystems. All of this significantly contributes to the recovery of biodiversity.

A review conducted by researchers at CCARBON/USP describes the reforestation strategies and forest restoration methods currently used and how they affect biodiversity. The authors summarize current evidence, key determinants, and knowledge gaps regarding restoration outcomes in terms of biodiversity. They also describe emerging opportunities for the planning, financing, and monitoring of biodiversity-focused restoration.

The study concludes that ecological restoration generally helps increase biodiversity, especially when it occurs naturally, in less degraded areas, and with the use of native species. However, because most initiatives still focus primarily on planting trees, the benefits for other groups of organisms remain limited. Therefore, for restoration to bring real benefits, it is important to choose the right strategies, monitor the results, and ensure sustainable forms of financing.

Tree planting is also an environmentally friendly strategy

In addition to native species, planted forests benefit humanity with a wide variety of bioproducts, and their cultivation is an important part of an ecologically sustainable approach. They help restore degraded areas, maintain conserved natural areas, protect biodiversity, and reduce pressure on the deforestation of native forests.

Carbon neutralization through tree planting occurs mainly during the growth phase of the trees. When they reach their climax, that is, when the forest reaches ecological maturity, the balance of CO₂ compensation is zero. Therefore, approximately seven trees can sequester one ton of carbon in their first 20 years of life. This average is used to determine the number of trees needed to offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The amount of these emissions is calculated through a GHG emission inventory.

The Sustainable Development Goals recognize the importance of our trees

Forest restoration initiatives not only address climate change but also promote the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and the sustainable management of water. In this way, they create a positive impact on multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 15 – Life on Land, and SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation.

In other words, forest restoration directly contributes to mitigating climate change, protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, and plays a vital role in maintaining water resources.

References

Brancalion, P.H.S., Hua, F., Joyce, F.H. et al. Moving biodiversity from an afterthought to a key outcome of forest restoration. Nat. Rev. Biodivers. 1, 248–261 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44358-025-00032-1

Instituto Brasileiro de Florestas (IBF). Compensação de CO2 com Plantio de Florestas. Available at: https://www.ibflorestas.org.br/conteudo/compensacao-de-co2  Accessed on: 18 sep. 2025.