Reforestation is often seen as a quick-fix to climate change, but not all tree planting projects have an equal or necessarily positive impact. At its best, reforestation is community-led, income-generating, and has a positive ecological impact. At its worst, it takes the form of “arboreal imperialism,” driving people off their land and damaging ecosystems. When communities lead on reforestation projects, they can choose the methods that meet their specific needs, creating a greater impact both for the climate and for local economies.
