{"id":278636,"date":"2020-12-15T00:23:17","date_gmt":"2020-12-15T05:23:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=278636"},"modified":"2020-12-15T00:23:17","modified_gmt":"2020-12-15T05:23:17","slug":"minister-oregan-launches-canadas-plan-to-plant-two-billion-trees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2020\/12\/15\/minister-oregan-launches-canadas-plan-to-plant-two-billion-trees\/","title":{"rendered":"Minister O\u2019Regan Launches Canada\u2019s Plan to Plant Two Billion Trees"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Planting trees is a natural climate solution that reduces emissions while providing other benefits such as improved air and water quality, particularly in urban settings. (File photo: @catastrophic\/Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Today, the Honourable Seamus O\u2019Regan, Canada\u2019s Minister of Natural Resources, launched the Government of Canada\u2019s plan to plant two billion trees over 10 years, with an investment of $3.16 billion. Meeting this commitment will help Canada address climate change by reducing carbon pollution and is a key part of Canada\u2019s efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.<\/p>\n

There is no path to net-zero emissions that does not involve our forests. Planting trees is a natural climate solution that reduces emissions while providing other benefits such as improved air and water quality, particularly in urban settings; decreased risk of wildland fire to rural communities and support for biodiversity. It also provides spaces for recreational opportunities that improve quality of life and form part of our Canadian identity.<\/p>\n

Canada\u2019s plan to plant two billion trees over the next ten years is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 12 megatonnes by 2050. It will create up to 4,300 good jobs.<\/p>\n

While planting a tree may sound simple, ensuring that it can be done on a large scale and in a sustainable, inclusive manner requires careful planning. The\u00a0tree planting process<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>takes several years, and begins with ordering the seeds of the desired tree species. From there, we must expand nursery capacity; grow seedlings until they\u2019re big enough to plant in the ground; identify and prepare available land in both cities and rural settings for adequate access and soil conditions; and monitor the health and survival of the planted seedlings.<\/p>\n

The Government\u2019s plan will get trees in the ground starting this spring in urban areas across Canada. The Government has also already begun building long-term partnerships so that Canada has the infrastructure, especially nurseries, to carry out the full tree-planting plan. That includes strengthening our relationships with<\/p>\n