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Planting and conserving trees could play a major role in capturing emissions and reaching net-zero goals. Hundreds of countries and companies worldwide are trying to plant billions of trees by the decade’s end.

Trees suck up carbon dioxide as they grow, and planting them is cheaper than building carbon removal technology like giant direct air capture machines.

To reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, Qatar developed its National Climate Change Plan, including over 35 initiatives designed to reduce emissions. Its One Million Trees initiative resulted in the number of parks and greenery increasing to 143 by 2023 from 56 in 2010. 

People are encouraged to plant and nurture Qatar’s native florae, such as Prosopis cineraria (Ghaf), Ziziphus nummularia (Sidr), Acacia tortilis (Samr), among others. These trees were planted in various selected locations, such as major highways, industrial areas, public parks, schools, and residential complexes.

An estimated 1,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide can be absorbed daily via one million trees, each taking in between 1.7 to 2 kilograms of carbon dioxide daily.

The initiative expanded green spaces from 3.5 square kilometers in 2015 to 16.7 square kilometers in 2023. Near the Doha North Wastewater Treatment Plant, there is a forest containing 94,043 trees grown in an area of 7.5 square kilometers and irrigated with treated water.

Furthermore, the initiative brought together over 2,000 school students via two campaigns in tree planting and motivating citizens to plant in their neighborhoods. 

Qatar has similarly added regulatory guidelines for construction requirements, with set guidelines for planting on rooftops.

In cities, planting trees can be critical to dealing with extreme heat by making it more comfortable to be outside and reducing the need for as much air conditioning as possible. Trees can help filter air pollution. Being near trees can improve mental health. Trees also provide critical habitat, both in cities and forests, when a million species are at risk of extinction.

Qatar is hosting the Expo 2023,  kicking off today, and will continue for six months. This event aims to highlight the latest initiatives, innovations, and efforts in modern agriculture, urban greening, and vegetation conservation nationally and globally.