Understand Why Trees Matter

Learning Objectives

After completing this unit, you’ll be able to:

• Explain what nature-based solutions are.
  
• Describe the essential role trees play in absorbing carbon and maintaining planetary balance.
  
• Explain how healthy forest ecosystems benefit human health, local communities, and biodiversity.
  

What Are Nature-Based Solutions?

Nature-based solutions are actions that protect, sustainably manage, or restore natural ecosystems—such as forests, wetlands, mangroves, and oceans—to address sustainability challenges, while also supporting biodiversity and communities.

Trees are among the most powerful and scalable nature-based solutions on Earth, as healthy forests safeguard global biodiversity, protect freshwater supplies, and support thriving local economies.

How Trees and Forests Support Sustainability

Forests act as vital natural infrastructure, helping to regulate carbon and rain cycles and contributing to a stable climate. Through photosynthesis, trees use sunlight, water, and nutrients to absorb carbon dioxide from the air, converting it into carbon-dense biomass while releasing oxygen. In addition, forest soils retain significant organic carbon in decaying plant matter and complex root systems.

Forest ecosystems deliver essential environmental and economic services every day:

• Global Carbon Cycle Regulation : Old-growth and regenerating forests absorb roughly 2 gigatonnes of carbon annually, acting as vital natural carbon sinks.
  
• Ecosystem Protection: Healthy forests filter rain to purify ground and surface water, stabilize soil to prevent erosion, and diminish risks from extreme weather like floods and landslides.
  
• Community Wellbeing: Forests purify urban air by filtering pollutants, support coastal nurseries through mangrove systems, and create sustainable business opportunities across rural communities.
  

The Multiplier Effect of Forest Restoration

Investing in forest conservation and restoration produces far-reaching benefits. Land restoration enhances regional food and water security, protects species habitats, and creates millions of sustainable jobs globally.

By protecting existing forests and restoring degraded landscapes, we safeguard natural resources that underpin global stability. Forests are among the most powerful and scalable infrastructure solutions for maintaining a stable climate and mitigating extreme weather. In the next unit, you’ll learn how global organizations join forces to scale these nature-based solutions worldwide.

Resources

• Salesforce Website: Sustainability at Salesforce
• Salesforce Website: Salesforce Tree Tracker
• Salesforce Website: Salesforce Scales Water, Forest, and Ocean Initiatives