Three Trillion Trees and Counting… But is it Enough?

For decades the world has been plagued with the question of whether or not we’re cutting down trees at an alarmingly unsustainable rate. While deforestation is undoubtedly a serious issue, new research has found that the world is still home to a colossal 3.04 trillion trees. The figures come from a recent study carried out by Nature journal, with authors asserting that the findings are 95% accurate. The team of researchers hailed from across the globe and were based at the USA’s Yale University.

To generate the numbers the scientists combined sophisticated satellite imagery with over 400,000 ground measurements. When it came to determining what was and wasn’t a tree, researchers referred to the official definition of “a plant with woody stems larger than 10 centimeters [four inches] diameter at breast height.” So where in the world do these three trillion trees reside? The study revealed that 1.39 trillion trees grew in tropical and subtropical forests, 0.74 trillion grew in boreal regions and 0.61 trillion grew in temperate regions.

The world’s rapidly disappearing trees

While the new figure is around eight times higher than previous estimates it still suggests that over the past 11,000 years the world’s tree population has fallen by 46%. Originally, the number is thought to have been in excess of six trillion. Furthermore, the study confirmed that each year the world loses around 15 billion trees, lowered to 10 billion when regrowth is factored in.

While the study will play an important role in mapping endangered species, tracking water recycling patterns and uncovering CO2 atmospheric absorption rates, it’s most poignant purpose is illustrating just how dramatic an impact humanity is having on the natural environment.

"We’ve nearly halved the number of trees on the planet, and we’ve seen the impacts on climate and human health as a result. This study highlights how much more effort is needed if we are to restore healthy forests worldwide,” explains lead author and postdoctoral fellow at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Thomas Crowther. So where in the world do these three trillion trees reside? The study revealed that 1.39 trillion trees grew in tropical and subtropical forests, 0.74 trillion grew in boreal regions and 0.61 trillion grew in temperate regions.

The silver lining

The study did reveal some seriously negative connotations however it has also inspired positive outcomes, such as the launch of the UN’s Billion Trees Campaign. For further exploration of new ways the world is attempting to reverse the environmental damage of human civilisation, ‘Biogenic Fuels and Renewable Energies – A Challenge for Elemental Analysis?’ Is an insightful read.

Images sourced via Wikimedia Commons.