More than half of global GDP each year, or $44 trillion, may be threatened by nature loss, giving businesses a clear incentive to protect and support the planet
Healthy and resilient forests can reduce the impacts of climate change, but cannot replace the role of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
As the World Economic Forum advances the 1t.org global commitment at the Sustainable Development Impact Summit, more than 20 companies have committed to protect, restore and plant more than 2.5 billion trees across more than 50 countries
1t.org is encouraging companies around the world to get in touch to learn about the commitments and find out more about effective forest landscape restoration
Companies from across industries are working to support healthy and resilient forests through the World Economic Forum's 1t.org (Trillion Trees Leaders Initiative) platform. With the launch of the 1t.org global commitment this September, more than 20 companies have committed to protect, restore and plant more than 2.5 billion trees in more than 50 countries by 2030.
The goal of planting one trillion trees is not intended to replace plans for net-zero emissions—businesses and industry still need to decarbonize to achieve our climate goals. 1t.org was established to support the growing momentum around nature-based solutions, mobilize a global community dedicated to restoring forests, and empower anyone who wants to take part to make a difference. The community promotes responsible forestry practices and advances solutions for global impact by sharing best practices.
Co-director of the World Economic Forum's Nature-Based Solutions Accelerator (Nicole Schwab) said: “We are at a turning point. Leaving a livable planet for future generations is the collective responsibility of our generation. The private sector has a key role to play, using its expertise and investing in natural climate solutions such as ecological restoration. It is encouraging that more and more companies are embracing this transition to business models that are net-zero and nature-positive.”
The first companies to make global commitments to 1t.org include Amazon, Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL Group), AstraZeneca, Brambles, Capgemini, Clif Bar, Daterra Coffee, Eni, HP Inc., Iberdrola, Mastercard, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Salesforce, SAP, Shell, Suzano, Teck Resources Ltd., tentree, Travelers, Unilever, UPS, VMware and Zurich Insurance Group. After 16:15 CEST on Thursday, September 23, you can click here to view their commitments.
Nikki Clifton, president of social impact and the UPS Foundation, said “Making a commitment on the 1t.org platform is a natural fit for UPS. UPS has committed to planting more than 50 million trees by 2030, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to promote equity and well-being in developing countries and urban communities around the world. This is another example of UPS's 543,000 employees helping to move the world forward through package delivery.”
Companies can also collaborate through the 1t.org Corporate Alliance to make an impact by committing to leadership, action, integrity, transparency and learning. The alliance enables companies to work together on shared challenges and connects them with 1t.org's community of innovators, partners and regional chapters.
“Discussions in the 1t.org Corporate Alliance have given us valuable insights into how other companies design and manage their own restoration and conservation projects. The platform provides an excellent space for mutual learning and exchanging perspectives,” said Craig Tribolet, head of sustainable operations at Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL Group). “1t.org also allows us to share our company's journey in restoring forest landscapes through a ‘production-protection’ strategy, as well as our progress in delivering on our long-term sustainability commitments.”
How trees make a difference
Healthy and resilient trees and forest ecosystems are an important part of the action needed to address climate change. Research shows that trees can reduce the urban heat island effect, lowering temperatures by up to 5°C and saving $7.8 billion in energy costs each year. Globally, sustainable forest management could create $230 billion in business opportunities and 16 million jobs by 2030. In terms of health, trees absorb 17.4 million tonnes of air pollutants each year and help prevent 670,000 cases of asthma and other acute respiratory illnesses annually. When forests are properly managed, the likelihood of extreme wildfire events is also significantly reduced—for example, by planting specially selected tree species in burned areas and using new planting techniques to guard against the possibility of future wildfires.
1t.org encourages all companies with emissions-reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement to get in touch and submit a commitment.
Sustainable Development Impact Summit, September 20–23
The summit brings together leaders from business, government and civil society around the world to discuss “Shaping an Equitable, Inclusive and Sustainable Recovery.” It will focus on new technologies, policies and partnerships to foster collaboration, accelerate progress and highlight practical solutions to global challenges. Media can learn more here and register here.