In 2022, the Irish government announced the 100 Million Trees Project, which aims to address the deforestation the country has experienced in recent years.

The plan stipulates that various types of native plants be cultivated on the island as an opportunity for reforestation. This project was decreed and officially launched for the public with an action that allowed the planting of 2,000 trees and shrubs at Tintern Abbey, Co. Wexford, which took place in early 2023.

Since then, individuals and organisations have been mobilising to carry out as much planting as possible on Irish land to achieve the goal. The government anticipates that the country can reach this milestone by 2030, ensuring that the effects of global deforestation are reversed, at least in the area that encompasses Ireland.

Despite being a much-discussed topic capable of bringing numerous benefits to the population and the environment, it is common for many people to still have questions about the plan.

If you are one of them, do not worry; we have prepared comprehensive content so that you can understand more about the 100 Million Trees Project and the environmental impact it may bring.

What is the 100 Million Trees Project and What is its Goal?

The 100 Million Trees Project is a mobilisation effort aimed at raising awareness and encouraging people to reforest the country. It was created by the Irish government at the end of 2022, but the plan only began in mid-2023.

The idea is to partially reverse the damage caused globally by deforestation, reducing the impact this process has had on the planet. Even though the initiative is being carried out solely in Ireland, the aim is to improve the quality of life for the island’s residents and to inspire other nations to participate in this reforestation process.

How Can the Population Help?

As mentioned earlier, one of the main ideas behind the government’s project is to inspire people to participate in order to achieve the goal. Therefore, the population can help by planting seedlings and even spreading the word about this plan to their relatives and neighbours so that it reaches as many individuals as possible.

This movement will encourage more people to feel comfortable adopting the measure and starting their contribution to the process.

When trees are planted in large quantities simultaneously, they can grow ten times faster and be 30% denser than those planted individually.

With the initiative of the population, it is possible to mobilise more individuals so that a greater number of seedlings are cultivated together, reaching the goal of the 100 Million Trees Project.

What Are the Benefits of Planting Trees?

Planting seedlings can bring numerous benefits to the population and the environment. Some of these benefits include:

Improving Air Quality

Trees and shrubs can improve air quality where they are planted by performing a mechanism that allows carbon to be absorbed through photosynthesis. These elements act as a kind of filter, which removes the most harmful pollutants from the oxygen we breathe, making it purer.

Combating Global Warming

As mentioned earlier, one of the main objectives of the 100 Million Trees Project is to reverse the environmental damage caused by deforestation. This is because these seedlings can absorb carbon dioxide, which is one of the major contributors to global warming that has been increasingly affecting us for years.

Reducing Soil Erosion

Erosion is the wear and tear on the earth’s surface caused by running water and other natural factors. Although it is a natural process, this depreciation can cause various damages to the area, and trees can help solve this problem.

They act as a protection for the soil and can absorb up to 250 litres of water, depending on their size.

Reducing Local Temperature

Mature trees also help to reduce the local temperature as they act as a filter for heat. This occurs because their leaves are constantly evaporating water into the atmosphere, absorbing a significant amount of the heat present in the air.

A study conducted by North Carolina State University found that a single plant can perform the work of up to ten air conditioning units.

Absorbing Noise

Few people know, but trees are also excellent tools for absorbing noise. Their vegetation muffles sound waves emitted by people, vehicles, and animals, which travel through the air and are present everywhere civilisation exists. They form a type of  “acoustic eco-barrier” and can reduce noise levels by up to 10 decibels (dB).

Ensuring Biodiversity

One of the benefits of the 100 Million Trees Project is that it can enhance the country’s biodiversity. Since the plan involves cultivating various types of plants and seedlings, once completed, it can contribute to the formation of new local forests. This allows numerous animal species to use the trees as habitats, enabling them to reproduce and bring biological variety to the country.

A Movement Aiming for the Future!

The 100 Million Trees Project is a movement focused on the future of Ireland, seeking to provide a higher quality of life for the population. With more people engaged in this goal, the greater the chances of achieving the results anticipated by the Irish government.