NBS, Bond 2019

What was the target for transforming grassy land into forest by 2020?

To transform more than 1 million km² of grassy land into forest by 2020.

What is the target for transforming grassy land into forest by 2030?

To transform 3.5 million km² of grassy land into forest by 2030.

What incorrect assumption is often made in large-scale tree planting initiatives?

That areas with low tree cover are deforested or degraded.

What is AFR100?

An offshoot of the Bonn Challenge aiming to restore 100 million hectares of land in Africa.

What are negative emission technologies?

Technologies designed to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, although none are currently effective at the scale required.

Why is plantation forestry criticised in climate discussions?

Because plantations absorb more shortwave radiation (SWR) than natural forests, affecting climate differently.

Why may tree planting not effectively counter atmospheric CO2 increases?

It would cost approximately US$47 billion per megagram of carbon sequestered.

Why is tree planting described as “power hungry”?

It requires significant energy, labour, and resource inputs.

How does carbon sequestration change over the lifespan of trees?

Carbon sequestration increases after planting but diminishes as trees mature.

Why might grassy biomes be more effective for carbon conservation than forests?

Grasslands store much of their carbon underground, making it more resilient to fires.

How do grasslands store carbon differently from forests?

Grasslands primarily lock carbon underground in soils and root systems.

Why is underground carbon storage beneficial in grasslands?

Because it can survive fires better than above-ground forest carbon.

What major social issue is ignored in many afforestation schemes?

Land tenure and local land rights.

How can afforestation negatively affect local water supplies?

Tree planting can reduce stream flow, especially impacting dry-season water availability.

Why are reduced stream flows from forestry particularly important?

They can critically affect local communities dependent on dry-season water supplies.

What example demonstrates alternative emissions reduction strategies?

In one year, the UK reduced emissions by 12 million tons by reducing coal use.

What does the UK example suggest about emissions policy?

Direct emissions reductions, such as cutting coal use, may be more effective than large-scale tree planting.

Why are low-tree-cover areas not always suitable for afforestation?

Many are naturally grassy biomes rather than degraded forests.

What is one criticism of global afforestation targets?

They often overlook ecological differences between forests and natural grasslands.

Why are current negative emission technologies considered insufficient?

They cannot reduce carbon at the scale needed to effectively combat climate change.