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The Benefits Of Planting Trees: How Growing Trees Can Benefit The Environment

This article explores the numerous benefits of planting trees and how growing trees can positively impact the environment. It discusses the impact of trees on air quality, their role in combating climate change, and how they improve water quality. The article also highlights the economic benefits of planting trees and how urban areas can benefit from increased tree cover. Additionally, it delves into the role that forests play in supporting biodiversity and wildlife habitats. Finally, the article showcases successful tree-planting projects from around the world as inspiration for readers to take action in their own communities. Overall, this article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding just how much benefit can come from planting more trees.

As the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges, it is becoming increasingly clear that planting and nurturing trees is one of the most effective ways to address these issues. Trees provide a wide range of benefits, from purifying the air we breathe to preventing soil erosion and supporting wildlife habitats. To learn more about the benefits of planting trees and how growing trees can benefit the environment, we spoke with five leading experts in tree cultivation from across the United States. From Louisiana to Alaska, these specialists bring unique perspectives and expertise to the field of tree growing, showcasing how diverse climates and ecosystems can be positively impacted by planting more trees. Join us as we learn from Xavier Dupont, Saffronia Boone, Sebastian Hunter, Bryson LeFlore, and Marnie Lowe about why planting trees is critical for our planet's health and sustainability.

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What Are The Benefits Of Planting Trees?

As a tree specialist, I have spent years studying the benefits of planting trees. And let me tell you, there are many. From providing shade on a hot summer day to improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions, trees have an incredible impact on our environment and our lives.

One of the most important benefits of planting trees is their ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees use this gas to produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which is essential for human life. In fact, just one mature tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year! This means that planting trees is one of the most effective ways we can combat climate change.

But the benefits don't stop there. Trees also play a crucial role in improving air quality by filtering out pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. This can have a significant impact on public health, especially in urban areas where air pollution is a major problem.

In addition to their environmental benefits, trees also provide numerous social and economic benefits. For example, studies have shown that neighborhoods with more trees have lower crime rates and higher property values. Trees also provide habitat for wildlife, which is important for maintaining biodiversity.

So how do we go about planting more trees? Well, it all starts with germinating trees in Zone 10a or any other suitable zone for local species. This involves collecting seeds from mature trees and creating optimal conditions for them to grow into healthy seedlings. Once these seedlings are established, they can be planted in parks, along streets and highways, or even in people's backyards.

Of course, planting trees isn't always easy. It requires careful planning and maintenance to ensure that the right species are planted in the right locations and that they receive adequate water and nutrients to thrive. But with the help of tree specialists like myself and community organizations dedicated to tree planting initiatives, we can make a real difference in our environment and our communities.

In conclusion, the benefits of planting trees are clear. They absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and offer numerous social and economic benefits. By germinating trees in Zone 10a or other suitable zones and planting them in strategic locations, we can help create a more sustainable and livable world for ourselves and future generations. - Xavier Dupont

How Does Growing Trees Benefit The Environment?

As someone who has spent most of his life surrounded by trees, I can confidently say that cultivating trees in Zone 1a is one of the most beneficial things we can do for the environment. Trees are not only beautiful and majestic, but they also provide a wide range of ecological services that are critical to our survival.

One of the most important benefits of growing trees is their ability to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, and trees absorb this gas during photosynthesis. By planting more trees, we can help to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.

Trees also play a vital role in soil conservation. Their roots help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, which can lead to nutrient depletion, water pollution, and other environmental problems. Trees also improve soil health by increasing organic matter content and improving soil structure. This makes it easier for other plants to grow, which in turn provides food and habitat for wildlife.

Another important benefit of cultivating trees in Zone 1a is their ability to provide habitat for wildlife. Trees provide nesting sites, food sources, and shelter for a wide range of animals, including birds, mammals, insects, and reptiles. By planting more trees and preserving existing forests, we can help to protect these important ecosystems and ensure that wildlife populations continue to thrive.

In addition to providing ecological services, trees also have numerous economic benefits. They provide timber for construction and manufacturing, as well as fuelwood for heating and cooking. Trees also provide non-timber forest products such as fruits, nuts, mushrooms , and medicinal plants that are used by local communities around the world.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked benefits of growing trees is their ability to improve human health and wellbeing. Trees have been shown to reduce stress levels, improve mood, lower blood pressure, and even boost cognitive function. They also provide shade on hot days which can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Despite all of these benefits, trees are still being cleared at an alarming rate around the world. Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation. It is essential that we take action to protect our forests and plant more trees in order to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

In conclusion, cultivating trees in Zone 1a is one of the most important things we can do for the environment. Trees provide a wide range of ecological services that are critical to our survival, as well as numerous economic and social benefits. By planting more trees and preserving existing forests, we can help to mitigate the effects of climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve human health and wellbeing. It is up to all of us to take action and ensure that our planet remains healthy and sustainable for generations to come. - Bryson LeFlore

What Impact Do Trees Have On Air Quality?

As a tree growing specialist, I have spent my fair share of time studying the impact of trees on the environment. One of the most significant contributions that trees make to our planet is their ability to improve air quality.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, during photosynthesis. They also release oxygen into the atmosphere, which is essential for all living organisms. By absorbing pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and ozone, trees help to keep our air clean and healthy.

In urban areas, trees play an especially important role in improving air quality. Cities are often plagued by high levels of air pollution due to traffic congestion and other human activities. Trees help to mitigate this problem by acting as natural filters that trap harmful particles and chemicals before they can enter our lungs.

Research has shown that trees can reduce urban air pollution by up to 60%. In addition to trapping pollutants, trees also absorb noise and provide shade that can help reduce heat island effects in cities.

While all types of trees contribute to improved air quality, some species are particularly effective at absorbing pollutants. For example, oak trees are excellent at removing ozone from the air while pine and spruce trees are effective at removing particulate matter.

Interestingly, the size of a tree is not necessarily indicative of its ability to improve air quality. Small shrubs and bushes can be just as effective as larger trees at filtering pollutants from the air.

In addition to their direct impact on air quality, trees also provide indirect benefits that contribute to overall environmental health. For example, they help prevent soil erosion and provide habitats for wildlife. Trees also have aesthetic value that enhances our well-being by providing beautiful landscapes for us to enjoy.

Unfortunately, many areas around the world are experiencing deforestation due to human activities such as logging and agricultural expansion. Deforestation not only reduces the number of trees available to filter pollutants from the air but also releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

To combat this problem, many organizations are working to increase the number of trees on our planet through reforestation efforts. In addition to improving air quality, planting trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

In conclusion, trees play a crucial role in improving air quality and overall environmental health. They absorb pollutants and release oxygen while providing indirect benefits such as habitat for wildlife and aesthetic value. Planting more trees is essential for combating air pollution and mitigating the effects of climate change. As a tree growing specialist, I am proud to contribute to this effort by developing new techniques for growing trees in harsh environments like Nevada. - Sebastian Hunter

Can Planting Trees Help Combat Climate Change?

As someone who has dedicated her life to tree conservation and management, I strongly believe that planting trees can help combat climate change. Trees play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. By doing so, they act as natural carbon sinks that help to offset the negative impacts of human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

In addition to their role in carbon sequestration, trees also provide a range of other benefits that are vital for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. For example, they help to prevent soil erosion, provide habitat for wildlife, and regulate water cycles by absorbing and releasing moisture. Trees also have a positive impact on human health by providing shade and reducing air pollution.

However, it is important to note that simply planting trees is not enough to combat climate change. We must also work towards reducing our carbon emissions and transitioning towards renewable energy sources in order to truly address the root causes of this global crisis. Planting trees is just one piece of the puzzle, but it is an important one nonetheless.

When it comes to planting trees for climate change mitigation purposes, it is important to focus on planting native species that are well adapted to the local environment. This helps ensure that the trees will thrive and continue to provide benefits over the long term. In my work as a tree conservationist in Delaware's Zone 7a, I have seen firsthand how planting native species can have a positive impact on the local ecosystem.

One example of a native species that is particularly well-suited for combating climate change in Delaware is the Red Maple . This tree can grow up to 100 feet tall and has a wide range of environmental benefits, including its ability to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Additionally, Red Maples are relatively fast-growing and can tolerate a wide range of soil types and moisture levels.

Another important factor to consider when planting trees for climate change mitigation purposes is where to plant them. Trees planted in urban areas can have a particularly significant impact on reducing air pollution and mitigating the urban heat island effect, which is a phenomenon whereby cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities such as the construction of buildings and roads.

In conclusion, while planting trees alone cannot solve the complex problem of climate change, it is an important tool in our arsenal. Trees provide a range of environmental benefits that are crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem, and their ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere makes them an important natural solution for mitigating the impacts of human activities on the environment. As someone who has dedicated her life to tree conservation and management, I believe that planting trees is one of the most effective ways we can combat climate change and preserve our planet's natural heritage for future generations. - Marnie Lowe

How Do Trees Improve Water Quality?

As a tree growing specialist with years of experience, I have come to understand the vital role that trees play in improving water quality. In fact, trees are often referred to as natural filters that help to purify our water sources.

One of the most significant ways that trees improve water quality is by preventing soil erosion. When rain falls on bare soil, it can quickly wash away valuable nutrients and minerals. This can lead to a decrease in soil fertility and contribute to water pollution. However, when trees are present, their roots help to hold the soil in place, preventing erosion from occurring.

Trees also play a crucial role in reducing stormwater runoff. As rain falls on tree leaves and branches, it is absorbed and evaporated back into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration. This means that less water ends up running off into streams and rivers, reducing the likelihood of flooding and erosion.

Moreover, trees act as natural filters that help to remove pollutants from our water sources. As rainwater passes through a canopy of leaves and branches, it is filtered by the tree's bark, twigs, and leaves along the way. This helps to remove harmful chemicals such as nitrogen and phosphorus from the water before it reaches our rivers and streams.

In addition to filtering pollutants from our water sources, trees also provide an important habitat for wildlife. Birds, insects, and other animals rely on trees for shelter and food sources. By preserving our forests and planting new trees, we are helping to create healthy ecosystems that support biodiversity.

Finally, trees play an important role in regulating water temperature. As streams and rivers flow through forested areas, they are shaded by the canopy of leaves overhead. This helps to keep the water cool during hot summer months when temperatures can soar.

In conclusion, there are many ways that trees improve water quality in our environment. From preventing soil erosion to filtering pollutants from our streams and rivers, they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By planting new trees and preserving our forests, we can help to ensure that our water sources remain clean and safe for generations to come. - Sebastian Hunter

What Role Do Trees Play In Reducing Erosion And Landslides?

Trees are an incredibly important part of our natural environment, and they play a crucial role in reducing erosion and landslides. For many years, scientists and environmentalists have been studying the ways in which trees can help to prevent erosion and landslides, and the results of their research are clear: trees are an essential part of any effective erosion control strategy.

One of the key ways in which trees help to reduce erosion is by stabilizing the soil. When trees are planted on a slope, their roots help to hold the soil in place, preventing it from washing away during heavy rainstorms or other weather events. In addition to anchoring the soil with their roots, trees also help to protect it from the erosive effects of wind and water by providing a natural barrier that slows down the movement of these elements.

Another way in which trees help to reduce erosion is by absorbing water. Trees take up moisture from the soil through their roots, which helps to reduce runoff and prevent soil erosion. This is particularly important during heavy rainstorms when large amounts of water can quickly overwhelm the natural drainage systems on slopes and hillsides.

In addition to their role in reducing erosion, trees also play an important role in preventing landslides. Landslides occur when large amounts of soil and rock suddenly give way and slide down a slope or hillside. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including heavy rainfall, earthquakes, and human activity such as logging or construction.

Trees can help to prevent landslides by stabilizing slopes with their roots. The root systems of trees act like anchors that hold the soil in place, making it less likely to give way during a landslide event. In addition to stabilizing slopes with their roots, trees also help to absorb excess moisture from the soil, which can further reduce the risk of landslides.

Finally, it's worth noting that trees also provide a number of other benefits that are closely related to erosion and landslide control. For example, trees help to filter pollutants out of the air and water, which can help to reduce the amount of sediment and other materials that are carried into streams and rivers during heavy rainstorms. They also provide important habitat for wildlife, which can help to prevent soil erosion by holding the soil in place with their burrows and nests.

In conclusion, trees play a critical role in reducing erosion and landslides in our natural environment. By stabilizing soil with their roots, absorbing excess moisture from the soil, and providing a natural barrier against wind and water erosion, trees are an essential part of any effective erosion control strategy. If we want to protect our planet from the damaging effects of erosion and landslides, we must continue to prioritize tree conservation and management as a key part of our environmental efforts. - Marnie Lowe

What Are Some Economic Benefits Of Planting Trees?

As a tree growing specialist with years of experience in the forestry industry, I can attest to the numerous economic benefits of planting trees. Trees are not only essential for environmental sustainability, but they also provide a plethora of economic advantages that cannot be ignored.

One of the most significant economic benefits of planting trees is their contribution to the timber industry. Timber is a valuable natural resource that is used in various industries such as construction, furniture, and paper manufacturing. By planting more trees, we are ensuring a steady supply of timber for these industries, which in turn generates employment opportunities and contributes to economic growth.

In addition to timber production, planting trees also has positive effects on the tourism industry. Trees are natural attractions that draw people from all over the world to explore and appreciate their beauty. National parks and forest reserves attract millions of visitors each year, providing an influx of revenue for local businesses and communities. Moreover, ecotourism is becoming increasingly popular as travelers seek out sustainable and environmentally conscious destinations. Planting more trees can help promote ecotourism by creating new habitats for wildlife and preserving existing ones.

Another economic benefit of planting trees is their ability to reduce energy costs. Trees provide shade during hot summers, which reduces the need for air conditioning and lowers energy bills. In colder climates like Alaska where I work, trees act as natural windbreaks that protect homes from harsh winds and reduce heating costs during winter months.

Moreover, planting trees can improve property values in residential areas. Trees provide aesthetic value by enhancing curb appeal and creating a pleasant environment for residents. Studies have shown that homes with mature trees are more desirable to potential buyers and can sell for up to 20% more than homes without them.

Planting trees also has positive effects on public health which translates into economic benefits. Trees help purify the air by absorbing pollutants such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide while producing oxygen through photosynthesis. This reduces respiratory illnesses caused by air pollution and lowers healthcare costs. Furthermore, trees help reduce stress levels, improve mental health, and promote physical activity which can lead to a healthier workforce and lower healthcare costs.

Finally, planting trees can contribute to combating climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass and soil. This reduces the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which contributes to global warming. By planting more trees, we can help mitigate climate change and its associated economic impacts such as rising sea levels, more frequent natural disasters, and food shortages.

In conclusion, planting trees has numerous economic benefits that cannot be ignored. From providing timber for industry to promoting tourism to reducing energy costs and improving public health, there are many reasons why investing in tree planting is a smart economic decision. As a tree growing specialist who has witnessed firsthand the positive effects of tree planting on communities and industries alike, I urge everyone to consider the economic benefits of planting trees when making decisions about land use and development. - Saffronia Boone

How Can Urban Areas Benefit From Planting More Trees?

As urbanization continues to grow, cities face many challenges. One of the most significant challenges is the negative environmental impact that urbanization poses. Urban areas are known for having high levels of pollution, heat island effects, and lower air quality than more rural areas. However, planting more trees in these urban areas can have many benefits.

Trees have been known to be one of the best tools that we have in combating climate change. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their wood and leaves. This process helps to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which ultimately helps to slow down global warming. By planting more trees in urban areas, we can help reduce carbon emissions from transportation and other sources.

In addition to fighting climate change, trees provide numerous other benefits to urban areas as well. For example, they help to improve air quality by filtering out pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and small particles. Trees also produce oxygen which is essential for human survival, particularly for those who live in cities where air pollution is high.

Planting trees can also help reduce the heat island effect that cities experience. Heat islands are created when buildings and pavement absorb heat during the day and release it at night. This makes cities much hotter than surrounding rural areas. However, trees can provide shade which reduces the amount of heat absorbed by buildings and pavement.

Trees also help to reduce stormwater runoff which is a significant problem in many urban areas. When it rains heavily in cities with a lot of pavement and concrete surfaces, water cannot be absorbed into the ground as easily as it would be in a natural environment with soil and vegetation. This results in excess water running off into storm drains which can cause flooding or erosion problems downstream. Trees help by absorbing some of this excess water which reduces runoff.

Another significant benefit of planting more trees is that they create habitats for wildlife in urban environments where natural habitats may not exist. Urban areas can be inhospitable to many species of wildlife due to loss of habitat and pollution. However, trees provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds, insects, and other animals. This helps to increase biodiversity in urban areas which is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Finally, trees add beauty and value to urban areas. They provide a sense of peace and tranquility that can be hard to find in busy cities. Trees also increase property values as they create more desirable living environments. This means that planting more trees can provide economic benefits as well as environmental ones.

In conclusion, planting more trees in urban areas can have numerous benefits for both people and the environment. Trees help to fight climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also help to improve air quality, reduce the heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, create habitats for wildlife, and add value to urban areas. Therefore, it is essential that we continue to plant more trees in our cities if we want to create healthier and more sustainable environments for ourselves and future generations. - Sebastian Hunter

How Do Forests Support Biodiversity And Wildlife Habitats?

Forests are one of the most important ecosystems on our planet. They provide a wide range of benefits, including the support of biodiversity and wildlife habitats. Forests are home to countless species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. They serve as a vital source of food, shelter and breeding grounds for a vast array of creatures.

In order to understand how forests support biodiversity and wildlife habitats, it is important to first understand what biodiversity is. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including all living organisms from the smallest bacteria to the largest mammals. It encompasses genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. In other words, it is the variety of genes, species and habitats that make up our planet's natural systems.

Forests are incredibly important for maintaining biodiversity because they provide a unique range of habitats for different species. From the forest floor to the canopy, each layer supports different types of plants and animals. The understory, for example, is home to many shade-loving plants that cannot survive in direct sunlight. This layer also provides cover for smaller animals like birds and rodents.

The mid-story layer is where many birds build their nests and where larger mammals like deer and bears find food sources. The canopy layer is where many tree-dwelling animals live. These include primates like monkeys and apes as well as birds like toucans and parrots.

Forests also support biodiversity by providing different types of vegetation. This includes trees, shrubs, vines and herbaceous plants. Each type supports different types of animals depending on their size and feeding habits.

For example, large trees like oaks provide nesting sites for birds while smaller shrubs like blueberries provide food sources for insects like butterflies. Vines like ivy serve as important cover for small mammals while herbaceous plants provide ground cover for insects like beetles.

One way forests support biodiversity is through their role as a carbon sink. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass. This helps to mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In addition, forests play an important role in regulating water cycles by absorbing and storing rainwater. This reduces runoff and helps to prevent erosion, which can impact wildlife habitats.

Forests also support biodiversity by providing corridors for wildlife to move between different habitats. As human development continues to encroach on natural areas, wildlife corridors become increasingly important for maintaining genetic diversity and preventing population fragmentation.

For example, a forested corridor between two large patches of forest can allow animals like bears or deer to move between them without having to cross busy roads or other developed areas. This helps to reduce incidents of roadkill and increases the chances of successful breeding between different populations.

In conclusion, forests are a critical component of our planet's natural systems. They provide a wide range of benefits including support for biodiversity and wildlife habitats. By providing a unique range of habitats and vegetation types, forests support countless species and provide important ecological services like carbon sequestration and water regulation. As we continue to face the challenges of climate change, habitat loss and species extinction, it is more important than ever that we work to preserve our forests for future generations. - Marnie Lowe

What Are Some Successful Tree-planting Projects Around The World?

As someone who has spent their life surrounded by trees, I am acutely aware of the crucial role they play in our world. Trees provide us with clean air, help regulate the climate, and support countless species of wildlife. Sadly, many regions around the world have suffered from deforestation, which has led to devastating consequences for both people and nature. But there is hope. In recent years, there have been numerous successful tree-planting projects around the world that have helped to restore damaged ecosystems and improve the lives of local communities.

One such project is the Green Wall of China. China has long struggled with desertification in its northern regions, which has led to food shortages and increased poverty for millions of people. In response, the Chinese government launched a massive reforestation effort in 1978. Over the past four decades, they have planted over 66 billion trees across an area roughly equivalent to Germany. As a result, they have managed to halt desertification in some areas and improve soil quality in others.

Another inspiring project is Trees for the Future. This non-profit organization works with farmers around the world to plant a variety of tree species that can provide a range of benefits. By planting nitrogen-fixing trees alongside crops like maize or beans , farmers can increase their yields and improve soil health without resorting to harmful chemical fertilizers. Trees for the Future also helps communities plant fruit and nut trees that can provide a source of income and food security.

Closer to home in Oklahoma City is an initiative called The Great American Cleanup & Tree Planting Challenge which aims to plant 500 new trees per year throughout Oklahoma City parks as well as encourage residents to do so on their own properties. This effort not only provides shade during hot summers but also improves air quality while enhancing Oklahoma City's natural beauty.

In Tanzania, the Jane Goodall Institute has partnered with local communities to plant millions of trees across degraded lands near Lake Tanganyika. The project aims to restore wildlife habitats and improve the lives of local people by providing them with sustainable sources of firewood and timber. By involving local communities in the decision-making process, the project has been able to create long-term solutions that benefit both people and nature.

Finally, there is the Billion Tree Tsunami in Pakistan. This ambitious project was launched in 2014 with the goal of planting one billion trees across Pakistan by 2021. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lack of funding and political instability, the project has managed to plant over 350 million trees so far. As well as helping to combat deforestation, it has provided jobs for thousands of people and improved soil quality in some of Pakistan's most impoverished regions.

These are just a few examples of successful tree-planting projects around the world. Each one is unique in its approach but shares a common goal: to restore damaged ecosystems and create a more sustainable future for all. As someone who has dedicated their life to forestry management, I am heartened by these initiatives and believe they offer hope for a brighter future. By working together, we can make a difference and ensure that future generations inherit a world where trees continue to thrive. - Bryson LeFlore

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• ENVIRONMENT

The surprising way that millions of new trees could transform America

The U.S. is making a billion-dollar investment in planting and maintaining trees across the country to combat extreme heat and expand access to nature. But the benefits go way beyond that.

When community groups planted 125 trees in two low-income neighborhoods in north central Detroit this past spring, changes were seen almost immediately. Residents began using the newly greened streets as a pedestrian corridor that allowed them to interact more with their neighbors. Trash collectors who routinely picked up garbage reported that littering had almost stopped completely.

“To me, it was validation that what we are hoping to accomplish with trees can and will work,” says Eric Candela, director of local government relations for American Forests, whose mission for more than 100 years has been to restore and protect the nation’s forest ecosystems.

In the next few months, Detroit will receive almost $10 million to plant more trees, along with many other cities and nonprofit groups in the U.S. that will get varying amounts to affect similar change.   As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden Administration is awarding a billion dollars in grant money to, as NPR reported , "communities across the country to plant trees to combat extreme heat and increase access to nature" in cities and towns, where more than 84 percent of Americans live.

The money, which is the largest investment to date in urban and community forests, will go mostly to disadvantaged communities that grapple with “tree equity”—having enough trees so that everyone can experience their environmental, health, and economic benefits.

Adapting to climate change while helping fight it

The positive climate impacts of trees are well-documented.

Trees, including parks and nature preserves, remove about 45 million tons of climate-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Already, they offset the pollution from about 10 million cars.

On a more local level, the can drastically influence the climate of a single neighborhood.

Trees are natural coolants and lower the risk of respiratory and heat-related illnesses such as those seen during this summer’s record heat wave. Streets with few trees are typically 10 degrees warmer and exacerbate “urban heat islands” that occur in areas with dense concentrations of pavement, concrete, and other materials that absorb and retain heat.

( In Los Angeles, too little access to shade is a legacy of racist policies. Read more. )

“Trees are a critical part of the infrastructure of cities and are as important as sidewalks and bridges,” says Benita Hussain, tree equity lead for American Forests, which was awarded $50 million in federal funding for tree planting and maintenance.

A growing body of research is finding that trees also provide an array of benefits associated with physical and mental health.

How trees make us healthier  

The calming effect of being around trees is familiar to anyone who has sat on a bench under a tree, walked down a tree-lined street, or experienced the respite of shade from a tree on a scorching hot day.

But research has also found that trees can help people live longer. A 2022 U.S. Forest Service study of 30 years of tree planting in Portland, Oregon by the nonprofit organization Friends of Trees found that one premature death was avoided for every 100 trees planted. Using data from the Oregon Health Authority, researchers found that in neighborhoods where more trees had been planted, death rates (per 100,000 persons) were lower. The association strengthened as trees aged and grew: the reduction in mortality rate associated with trees planted 11-15 years before was double that observed with trees planted in the preceding 1-5 years.

This speaks to the potential public health benefits of preserving existing mature trees, which are associated with lower death rates.

In a 2020 report on Philadelphia’s goal to reach 30 percent tree canopy cover in every neighborhood by 2025, researchers "estimated that 403 premature deaths overall, including 244 premature deaths in areas of lower socioeconomic status, could be prevented annually if the city were able to meet its goal." At the time, the tree canopy cover in disadvantaged areas was about 17 percent.

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Trees make us happier too.

Numerous studies show that being around trees "reduce blood pressure as well as the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline." Research has also found that increasing the number of urban trees is associated with a statistically significant improvement in mental health conditions, especially for people living in disadvantaged areas.

A 2015 study monitored participants’ heart rates to measure acute stress responses in individuals who walked past vacant lots in Philadelphia before and after they were filled with trees. They found that looking at greener lots decreased heart rate.

“Trees calm us down, improve our mood and stress levels, and lower blood pressure,” says Michelle Kondo, a U.S. Forest Service social scientist who studies the health benefits of trees.

Being in nature helps people bounce back faster from stress, and being around trees helps restore attention. It’s a mini-rest period that reduces the body’s arousal mechanism and returns it to a more restful state, thereby stabilizing mood.

( This is what happens to your brain when you see a bird in nature. )

“We spend so much time staring at computer screens, but being in nature allows us to replenish that cognitive reserve,” says Peter James, an environmental health expert at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Staring at trees, even watching leaves scatter in the wind allows our brains to be ready for the next cognitive task.”

Similarly, trees can help children with ADHD. Linda Powers Tomasso, an environmental scientist at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, asserts that this is especially useful in helping children with attentional issues and that trees can help them focus more.

Transforming tree-less communities

Studies confirm that planting trees fosters a sense of community and civic pride, especially in areas that have been historically underinvested in.

“Psychologically, people feel ‘someone is paying attention to my neighborhood,’” says Tomasso. ‘”Some entity cares about my neighborhood. I matter.’”

The presence of trees in urban areas facilitates outdoor recreation, physical activity, and socializing, which can reduce lonelines.

“Being near trees softens people in disposition and makes them more empathetic to others,” says Kondo.

Trees can even reduce crime and gun violence.

A recent University of Pennsylvania study examining gun violence and tree cover in six U.S. cities found that higher neighborhood income was strongly linked to lower firearm violence over a five-year period. A 2018 study on cleaning-and-greening vacant lots in neighborhoods with residents living below the poverty line found a 29 percent reduction in gun violence around lots that were greened with trees compared to vacant lots.

The process of planting and maintaining urban trees can also bring jobs to a community and lead to the creation of a local environmental workforce.

According to Marcos Trinidad, senior director of forestry for Southern California’s Tree People, which received $8 million in federal funding, upcoming tree plantings throughout parts of Southern California will require many workers—for planting new trees, pruning, and removing older trees. In fact, funding comes at a time when millions of trees are being lost to wildfires, drought, urban development, and a lack of good tree care.

“I’m not a psychologist,” adds Trinidad. “But when I’m around trees, and I can walk down a street lined with trees…, it creates this overall feeling of joy.”

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Why the World Needs Millions of Trees — And How to Plant Them Right

Science says we need more trees. how do we plant millions the right way.

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It’s not hard to find headlines about planting millions, billions, trillions of trees for the greater good. Our own organization plans to plant 500 million trees in forests and neighborhoods of greatest need by 2027.

It’s widely accepted that planting a huge number of trees is one of the best solutions to climate change available today. There’s even enough land available to increase the world’s forest cover by 30% without affecting cities or farms. The UN is highly confident that restoring forests is “one of the most effective and robust options for climate change mitigation.”

But questions remain: Where are the trees being planted? How will they survive? Where does the funding come from? Why do we even need all these trees?

And the Arbor Day Foundation is glad people are asking.

This scrutiny is critical. It’s a testament to how much this work matters and how important it is to proceed responsibly. It reminds nature-based organizations, including ours, that accountability matters.

The New York Times said it best:

“These efforts can be a triple win, providing livelihoods, absorbing and locking away planet-warming carbon dioxide, and improving the health of ecosystems. But when done poorly, the projects can worsen the very problems they were meant to solve.”

As more organizations set out to plant trees at scale, the potential for cutting corners and inexperienced decision-making grows. But future generations are relying on us to get this right. Planting the right trees, in the right place, for the right reasons is a must.

The Arbor Day Foundation has spent 50 years listening, learning, and adapting.

To maximize the long-term impacts of trees, planting organizations need a set of guiding principles. The Arbor Day Foundation has spent 50 years listening, learning, and adapting to develop our processes and grow a network of local partners. Today, these principles act as our organizational compass:

• Act with character and integrity , always asking questions to ensure our work and the work of our partners supports our mission, vision, and core values.

STARTING WITH THE RIGHT PARTNERS

In the Arbor Day Foundation world, there are two kinds of partners. The first is a tree planting organization, who will put trees in the ground. The second is a funder, who pays for the resources to make it happen.

Tree planting organizations are the difference-makers for both large-scale reforestation projects and more personal neighborhood efforts. Our partners include tree planting nonprofits, conservation geneticists, on-the-ground foresters with the USDA Forest Service, state forest services, and the Bureau of Land Management. They have a strong understanding of their local ecosystem and its unique challenges. We believe following their lead is essential for successful tree plantings that help the planet and people.

A strong tree planting partner is also ingrained in the local community. It ensures that planting projects are executed properly — with the right trees for the need — and have buy-in from the people who live there. No one should feel like tree planting is happening to them.

Funders are usually large-scale corporate partners, often investing to meet their sustainability goals. Their monetary support, spurred on by consumer demand for sustainability, is a huge driver behind the tree planting boom.

These efforts should be applauded. At the same time, organizations like the Foundation are responsible for pushing for choosing corporate partners who are planting trees for the right reasons.

These two partners — those funding the work and those planting trees — are how we affect change for the planet and every being living on it.

These two partners — those funding the work and those planting trees — are how we affect change for the planet and every being living on it. They must be chosen carefully. Each Arbor Day Foundation partner and project goes through a rigorous vetting process to confirm plans for site prep, planting, and care after trees are in the ground.

ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Responsible tree planting at scale always involves asking questions — of ourselves and our partners.

For reforestation projects, especially after a natural disaster, questions revolve around the natural ecosystem. Is replanting necessary? Or will the area restore itself naturally, which is sometimes better? Decisions about what trees to plant should start with native and endemic species, the historical forest makeup, and expected changes in climate. In collaboration with our planting partners, we take a 360-degree view of the situation to act when the time is right.

The needs of unique plants and animals living in the forest come into play, too. What are the habitat needs of animal life in the area, especially threatened and endangered species? How will this project answer those needs?

Also critical when planning a reforestation project is how tree plantings will support watershed health. In other words, will this project support a healthy forest that cleans drinking water supplies and stabilizes soils?

Last but not least, how will the project impact people? There are a number of complex conversations involved about how a project will affect nearby communities, and how the planting partner can develop the details (tree species, maintenance training) around the community’s needs.

For community tree planting, the first question is always about the level of need. Some neighborhoods lost trees in a natural disaster, like hurricanes. Some have faced decades of unequal investment in green infrastructure.

The success of a tree planting project should be defined by the community’s own goals.

Community ownership of a tree project is a must. Often, this involves finding local leaders who can act as tree champions , alongside our local planting partner. Following the tenets of environmental justice, the success of a tree planting project should be defined by the community’s own goals. Working with a known member of the community to start the conversation is always a good first step.

We also partnered with NatureQuant for a clear picture of the challenges different communities face, down to the city block. Is this area historically deprived of nature? Do its residents have other socioeconomic disadvantages in income, education, or housing? From there, we can work with a planting partner and local leaders to assess how trees factor into that community’s unique vision for the future.

Finally, it’s important to consider the mix of existing trees in the area. A diverse tree canopy is less likely to be devasted by a single disease or pest, like the Emerald Ash Borer . Planting a variety of trees supports the biodiversity of wildlife in urban areas — providing habitats and food for birds, butterflies, insects, and more.

TREES ARE ONE SOLUTION OF MANY

Tree planting skeptics raise a valid question about trees’ ability to make an impact on a global scale. Yes, trees are the most cost-effective, available, and efficient nature-based solution to climate change today. But they’re not a silver-bullet solution. A well-rounded plan of action to stop and reverse the effects of climate change will require a drastic reduction in our reliance on fossil fuels. The Foundation, and other planting organizations, understand the reality of this uphill battle.

In the meantime, the planet and people need trees and forests more than ever. With our partners, we’ll continue onward in growing a cleaner, greener, equitable future for all using trees.

Give to Support Reforestation

Every dollar plants a tree.

Related Content

Fighting Global Challenges With Greatest Focus and Millions of Trees

The world needs trees now more than ever. Find out how the Arbor Day Foundation is taking action with the goal of planting 500 million trees with a focus on areas of greatest need by 2027.

Find out how we're planting 500 million trees with focus and intention.

Protecting the Forest, Honoring Tradition

Meet Constantino Aucca, a UN Champions of the Earth award winner for his conservation efforts of South America’s rare Polylepis forests. With roots in his Inca heritage and local communities, learn how his work is a force for good in the Andes region for today and tomorrow.

This man is on a mission to plant trees and revive a centuries-old philosophy in the Andes Mountains.

The Science Behind Planting 500 Million Trees

We have an ambitious goal to plant 500 million trees in the next five years with a focus on areas of greatest need. But how do we identify regions where planting will have the most impact? Learn how we use data to drive our focus.

Learn how we use data to drive our focus.

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• 06 February 2024

Urban trees: how to maximize their benefits for humans and the environment

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• Peter M. Groffman 2

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The City University of New York, New York, USA.

Urban trees boost biodiversity, provide cooling effects and lessen climate-related impacts. Trees deliver ecosystem services that are crucial to the health and well-being of the majority of the global population who live in densely populated cities. But urban trees are threatened by climate change and human-centric cultivation practices, such as planting in extremely limited spaces and enclosing roots with pavement or compacted soil ( M. Esperon-Rodriguez et al. Nature Clim. Change 12 , 950–955; 2022 ).

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Article On Grow More Trees To Reduce Pollution {Step by Step Guide}

Hello Friend, In this post “ Article On Grow More Trees To Reduce Pollution “, We will read about Grow more trees in terms to reduce pollution in detail. So…

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Article On Grow More Trees To Reduce Pollution

Trees and plants are one of the reasons why mankind came into existence. In order to live on this earth, we humans as well as almost all beings need trees and plants .

Due to trees and plants, the environment of the earth is favorable for all beings. and they also absorb all harmful gases and give us fresh air to breathe.

Not only trees used by birds and various species as a habitat. People also came here for morning walks, evening sports, yoga sessions, and laughter therapy . these are also safe places for the kids to play and socialize .

If we talk about history, our creation, upbringing, everything is connected with the forests. But in spite of all this, we have been harvesting these forests in excessive amounts to meet our needs, which is posing a great threat to our future.

Due to the shortage of trees, rivers, ponds, etc . are drying up due to less amount of rain, there is also a danger of water crisis . Due to lack of rain , farmers are facing a lot of difficulty in growing the crop , due to this, there is also a situation of starvation.

Fast-growing population and development work are emerging as a curse for trees and plants. With the increasing amount of pollution due to factories, fuels, vehicles, etc ., the threat of global warming is also hovering.

Along with cutting trees , the negligence of people is also promoting pollution. To get rid of all this pollution and diseases , we have to grow more and more trees .

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We have some forests such as Vandalur Reserve Forest , Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Kanha National park, etc . but these are not enough for us. we have required to expand it by growing more trees .

At least, we should plant some trees to our level and make the area around us green . By grow more trees , pollution will be reduced , along with this, we will also be completely free from diseases.

We need a people’s movement towards growing more trees to reduce pollution at this time because we can achieve any goal through people’s participation .

And at the same time, people have to be aware of the importance of trees and plants so that their harvesting can be reduced and the excessive amount of trees can be planted .

Because until everyone does not fulfill their responsibility, we will not be able to make our beloved mother earth free from pollution and make it green .

Therefore, to protect all beings, grow more trees is not only necessary but also the needs of the time . so that we will be able to make our future green and pollution-free .

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Essay on Grow More Trees

Students are often asked to write an essay on Grow More Trees in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Grow More Trees

Importance of trees.

Trees are nature’s wonders that provide us with numerous benefits. They offer shade, fruits, and are homes to many animals. They also help in cleaning the air by absorbing harmful gases.

Why Grow More Trees?

Growing more trees is vital for our environment. They help in maintaining the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. More trees mean more oxygen and less pollution.

As responsible citizens, we should plant more trees. Schools can organize tree planting events. Children can also encourage their parents to plant trees in their backyard or community.

Also check:

250 Words Essay on Grow More Trees

Introduction.

Trees are an indispensable part of our ecosystem, providing a multitude of benefits. They are not just silent spectators but active participants in maintaining the ecological balance.

The Role of Trees

Trees play a critical role in mitigating climate change by absorbing harmful greenhouse gases. They act as carbon sinks, soaking up atmospheric carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the air. In urban areas, trees act as natural air filters, removing harmful pollutants and providing cleaner air.

The Need to Grow More Trees

The rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to the destruction of vast tracts of forests. This deforestation has resulted in an imbalance in the ecosystem, leading to climate change and loss of biodiversity. Hence, there is an urgent need to grow more trees to restore the ecological balance.

Benefits of Growing More Trees

Growing more trees has numerous benefits. They can help to reduce the impact of climate change, provide habitat for wildlife, and improve air quality. Additionally, trees can provide shade and cooling, reducing energy costs and improving urban living conditions.

In conclusion, the importance of growing more trees cannot be overstated. It is not just a matter of environmental conservation, but a necessity for our survival and wellbeing. By growing more trees, we can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable world.

500 Words Essay on Grow More Trees

Trees, the lungs of the planet, are an essential part of our ecosystem, performing a myriad of roles that contribute to the overall health of our planet. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, provide habitats for wildlife, and contribute to human well-being. Despite their importance, deforestation is occurring at an alarming rate, threatening biodiversity and exacerbating climate change. Thus, the mantra ‘Grow More Trees’ is not just an eco-friendly suggestion, but an urgent necessity.

The Importance of Trees

Trees are the backbone of all terrestrial ecosystems, providing a habitat for a vast array of species. They also play a crucial role in the carbon cycle. Through photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and release oxygen, which is essential for all aerobic life. Furthermore, trees help in soil conservation, preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil fertility.

Deforestation: A Global Concern

Despite these benefits, deforestation continues unabated worldwide. Forests are being cleared for agriculture, logging, and urbanization, leading to habitat loss and species extinction. Additionally, deforestation contributes to climate change by releasing stored carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

Given the critical role of trees in maintaining ecological balance and mitigating climate change, there is an urgent need to grow more trees. Reforestation and afforestation can help restore degraded landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and sequester carbon, thereby mitigating climate change.

Growing more trees has numerous benefits. It can restore habitats for wildlife, enhance biodiversity, and sequester carbon. Trees also have socio-economic benefits. They provide timber, fuel, food, and other products. Moreover, forests can provide ecosystem services such as water purification, flood control, and recreational opportunities.

Challenges and Solutions

In a world facing the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, growing more trees is not just a solution, but a necessity. It is a simple, cost-effective, and natural solution that can help restore ecosystems, sequester carbon, and provide socio-economic benefits. However, it requires collective action, from individuals, communities, governments, and international organizations. Therefore, let us heed the call to ‘Grow More Trees’ and work together to create a greener, healthier planet for future generations.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Planting trees in grasslands won’t save the planet – rather protect and restore forests

Associate Professor, Department of Botany, Rhodes University

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Susanne Vetter does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Tree planting is one of the nature-based solutions being used to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Trees absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide. Many of these tree planting projects target Africa’s rangelands (open grasslands or shrublands used by livestock and wild animals).

They include agroforestry initiatives such as the Great Green Wall in the Sahel, or commercial timber plantations that double as carbon offset projects . These target millions of hectares in countries like Mozambique, Madagascar and Rwanda.

I am part of a team of ecologists and social scientists who are working to highlight the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026. Our goal is to protect and promote rangelands that combat desertification and support economic growth, resilient livelihoods and the sustainable development of pastoralism. In pursuit of this goal, we reviewed all the scientific studies we could find on the effects of planting trees in rangelands.

We concluded from our review that tree planting in rangelands is largely ineffective in addressing climate change, because it has limited potential to store additional carbon. It is only beneficial to restore forests in areas where they naturally occurred in the past.

Why rangelands matter

Rangelands cover more than half of Earth’s land area. They are made up of shrublands, grasslands, savannas and other vegetation with naturally low tree cover and they support free-ranging wildlife and livestock.

Rangelands provide critical ecosystem services , but these are lost when open grassy vegetation is converted to forest or plantation. Many rangelands are too dry, steep or rocky to grow crops but are suited for livestock grazing to produce meat, milk and fibres such as wool.

They also play an important role as water catchments and have great cultural value for outdoor recreation, tourism and ways of life.

They harbour a wealth of plant and animal biodiversity . Livestock grazing on rangeland have less impact on biodiversity than other land uses such as crop farming or plantations, because rangelands aren’t ploughed and consist of natural or semi-natural vegetation.

Read more: When tree planting actually damages ecosystems

The ecosystem services provided by rangelands are generally overlooked while those provided by forests and trees are assumed to be far superior. In Africa alone, grasslands and savannas totalling an area the size of France are inappropriately targeted for tree planting, and rangelands in South America, India and other regions are similarly earmarked for planting schemes.

But, as we found in our review, these initiatives are not only misplaced, they can also do harm.

Afforestation in the wrong places often fails

In looking for “empty” land to “reforest”, rangelands are often incorrectly chosen for tree planting because they have low tree cover, and aren’t covered in croplands or settlements. This ignores the fact that rangelands are used as they are for livestock or wildlife. This is a suitable form of land use for those environments, which would be harmed by planting trees.

Tree planting projects are commonly portrayed as reforestation, which implies that the target areas have lost their original forest cover. In fact, planting trees in rangelands that naturally have low tree cover is afforestation . This often fails because they don’t have enough rainfall throughout the year to support high tree cover. The alternation of wet and dry seasons also promotes frequent fires.

Planting trees on rangelands is not guaranteed to capture and store extra carbon. It can even lead to a net loss in carbon when soils are disturbed to plant trees. Global rangelands store some 30% of the carbon pool on land. Most of this is locked away below ground, in the soil , where it is much less likely to be lost through fires and other disturbances than carbon stored in trees.

Plantations are also not the same as natural forests. Many climate mitigation projects take the form of commercial plantations such as pines and eucalypts for pulp and timber, since they grow fast and generate revenue. But these store far less carbon than old-growth forests or rangelands. This means that turning rangelands into plantation or forest achieves little extra carbon storage .

Afforestation can be damaging to people, water and climate

Local people pay the price and bear most of the cost of afforestation. Despite being portrayed as supporting local economic development and ecosystem restoration, afforestation projects often exclude existing land users and limit their access to land and resources. Claims that afforestation will create employment, fuelwood and other forest products that will benefit the local community are often overstated or slow to materialise, while negative impacts can be felt immediately.

Rangeland afforestation also reduces streamflow and lowers water tables as trees use much more water than grasses. Tree plantations, especially of pines and eucalyptus, also increase the risk of destructive wildfires that add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

Another drawback of afforestation on land where forests never grew is that forests and plantations absorb more of the sun’s radiation than rangelands due to their darker colour, creating a warming effect . This can significantly counteract the cooling effect of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

What is a better solution?

Forest protection and restoration, including tree planting, should focus on the very large areas that are natural forest and where there is plenty of opportunity and need to do so. For example, a recent analysis for Africa shows that only a third of degraded forest is included for forest restoration under AFR100, the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative which aims restore Africa’s degraded and deforested land, while half of the total area pledged targets non-forest areas. If these initiatives were focused on degraded forest instead, three-quarters of degraded forests could be restored.

In rangelands, the best approach is to protect and enhance their existing carbon stores rather than replacing them with forests or plantations. Successful examples such as the Southern Plains Land Trust in the US are starting to show that grazing management can increase carbon while safeguarding biodiversity and local livelihoods.

• Climate change
• Plantations
• Carbon storage
• Ecosystem services
• Pastoralism
• afforestation
• Climate crisis
• Reforestation
• Climate solutions

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Middle East Crisis Biden’s Debate Performance Raises Alarm in Israel

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• Israeli police clash with Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men protesting army recruitment. Ohad Zwigenberg/Associated Press
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• Searching a destroyed building Sunday after an Israeli military strike in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Alaa Badarneh/EPA-EFE, via Shutterstock
• At the funeral of Saeed Jaber, an Islamic Jihad leader killed by Israeli forces in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. REUTERS/Raneen Sawafta
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Israelis fear Iran and its proxies might try to exploit Biden’s apparent weakness.

Israelis expressed growing concern on Sunday that President Biden’s shaky debate performance could spur on the country’s Middle Eastern foes at what many view as a critical time for American leadership in the region.

Israeli commentators from across the political spectrum warned that Iran and its proxies could try to exploit Mr. Biden’s apparent weakness as Israel fights Hamas in Gaza and weighs the prospect of an all-out conflict with the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.

U.S. officials have been working to broker a diplomatic solution to the tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in an attempt to avert a wider regional war that they fear could draw in both Iran and the United States. The Biden administration is also involved in intense efforts with other mediators to try to advance a truce deal for Gaza that would involve exchanging the remaining hostages there for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has publicly pressured the Biden administration to speed up munitions supplies ahead of any conflagration with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Several of Israel’s Sunday newspapers featured the debate on their front pages in a kind of delayed reaction: The debate took place before dawn on Friday local time, after the weekend papers had gone to press. And Hebrew dailies are not published on Saturday, the Sabbath.

Analysts for Israel Hayom, a right-wing free paper, and the left-leaning Haaretz newspaper differed sharply in tone but both raised the specter of enemies of Israel and the United States testing the administration’s resolve.

“Will Hezbollah and Iran assess that Biden is too busy now to back Israel in case all-out war breaks out in Lebanon this summer?” Amos Harel, Haaretz’s military affairs analyst, wrote on Sunday.

While some on the Israeli right have mocked Mr. Biden’s debate performance, hoping for a Trump victory, Mr. Harel continued, that was a display of ungratefulness after the U.S. president stood by Israel and supplied it with large quantities of weapons. “Moreover,” he added, “Trump is a feeble reed to rely on.”

During the presidential debate on Thursday, Mr. Trump accused Mr. Biden of not wanting Israel to “finish the job” in Gaza — calling him weak and raising eyebrows by using the word “Palestinian” as an insult . Mr. Biden offered little in the way of a response.

Mr. Biden has been a staunch supporter of Israel throughout the war, although he has also been critical, frequently calling on Israel to limit civilian casualties and to work to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.

He has a long history with Mr. Netanyahu. Mr. Biden flew to Israel in a powerful show of solidarity last fall, soon after the Hamas-led terrorist assault on southern Israel that prompted the war in Gaza. He has since paid a political price for his support, which has infuriated American opponents of the war who want the U.S. government to stop providing Israel with munitions.

But the visions of Mr. Biden and Mr. Netanyahu have diverged in recent months. The U.S. government held up one shipment to Israel of heavy bombs, fearing that they would be used in densely populated areas. And Mr. Biden has dismissed Mr. Netanyahu’s oft-stated goal of “total victory” over Hamas as a vague objective that would mean indefinite war.

Mr. Trump was strongly supportive of Israel as president and largely went along with the agenda of Mr. Netanyahu and his right-wing allies. During his term, Mr. Trump moved the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, fulfilling a longstanding Israeli demand.

But the former president appears to have soured on Mr. Netanyahu. He has said the Hamas-led assault was a result of Mr. Netanyahu’s lack of preparation and praised Hezbollah as “very smart.” In an interview with Israel Hayom in March, Mr. Trump advised Israel to wrap up the war in Gaza, because it was losing much of the world’s support.

“You gotta get it done,” he told the paper, “and we gotta get to peace — we can’t have this going on.”

Israel Hayom’s publisher is Dr. Miriam Adelson, the widow of Sheldon Adelson, and a staunchly pro-Israel megadonor who is now backing Donald Trump’s third White House bid.

Amnon Lord, a columnist for Israel Hayom, asserted on Sunday that Mr. Biden’s performance in the debate proved persistent claims that “an extreme progressive group” of aides was driving U.S. foreign policy.

“In a world rife with aggressive forces,” he wrote , “the unflattering image of an American president — the leader of the free world — appearing weak and incoherent encourages them to exploit opportunities.”

“Biden’s decline mirrors the collapse of his Middle East policy vis-à-vis Iran and its proxies,” Mr. Lord added.

Mr. Lord trod carefully around Mr. Trump’s performance in the debate, saying only that he, too, “didn’t gain supporters.”

Yediot Ahronot, a mainstream Hebrew daily, flagged a column on its front page describing Mr. Biden’s performance as a “catastrophe.” The columnist, Nadav Eyal, wrote that faced with the prospect of another Trump presidency, the Democrats and their allies carried the fate of the free world on their shoulders.

“Weakness is not a characteristic that an American president can broadcast, by any stretch,” he wrote .

Gabby Sobelman and Myra Noveck contributed reporting.

— Isabel Kershner reporting from Jerusalem

key developments

Ultra-Orthodox Jews protesting conscription clash with police, and other news.

Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews took to the streets of Jerusalem on Sunday to protest conscription, days after a landmark Israeli Supreme Court ruling ordering the military to begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men who have traditionally been exempt. The Israeli police said in a statement that the protesters threw stones and objects, with one officer lightly injured in the clashes. A police video showed the protesters swarming the car of a government minister. Israeli news media reported that the vehicle belonged to Israel’s housing minister, Yitzhak Goldknopf, the leader of the United Torah Judaism party, who has opposed drafting the ultra-Orthodox. The police said five people were arrested.

The Gaza health ministry said on Sunday that the hospitals, health centers and oxygen stations that are still running in the Gaza Strip would stop operating within 48 hours because of a shortage of fuel. In a statement, the ministry appealed to international and humanitarian organizations to “intervene quickly” to bring fuel into the strip, where it says about 70 percent of the health infrastructure has been destroyed. The United Nations humanitarian agency said on Friday that “the inability to bring in sufficient medical supplies and fuel has forced aid organizations to scale back their services.”

An Israeli drone strike in the occupied West Bank killed one Palestinian and wounded five others, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah. The strike hit the Nour Shams refugee camp east of Tulkarm, the ministry said. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an armed group that operates in Gaza and the West Bank, identified Saeed Jaber, 24, as the target of the strike, mourning him in a statement that called him “one of the leaders of the Tulkarm Brigade.” The group said he had survived several previous Israeli attempts to kill him. The Israeli military confirmed Mr. Jaber’s death in a statement, calling him a “terrorist operative” who was involved in multiple attacks on civilians and the Israeli military. Wafa, the Palestinian Authority’s news agency, reported that the strike damaged several homes and that some residents were wounded by shrapnel, including women and children.

The Israeli military’s ground operation in eastern Gaza City continued for a fourth day on Sunday , and the military said its forces had killed “several terrorists” and hit “dozens of terror infrastructure sites” in an area known as Shajaiye. Hamas’s military wing said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday that its fighters had shelled two Israeli tanks in Shajaiye. The claims could not be confirmed. As of Friday the raid had driven at least 60,000 people to flee from areas east and northeast of Gaza City, according to the U.N. office of humanitarian affairs . The latest wave of Israeli strikes in Shajaiye began on Thursday, when people described a frantic effort to get out as explosions sounded around them. The Israeli military has said the operation there is targeting Hamas fighters and infrastructure.

The Israeli military said a drone strike Sunday in the northern Golan Heights, along Israel’s border with Lebanon, injured 18 soldiers, one severely. In a statement, the military said that the Israeli Air Force had struck two “Hezbollah terror targets” in southern Lebanon, including an observation post and a launcher from which a projectile was fired toward northern Israel, and that Israeli forces fired artillery into southern Lebanon “to remove threats in multiple areas.” Cross-border exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah, an armed group based in Lebanon that has expressed solidarity with Hamas, has intensified in recent weeks, and world leaders have warned that an escalation could turn into a full-fledged war that could further destabilize the region.

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As the U.N.’s relief chief steps down, Gaza’s aid woes are piling up.

The United Nations’ top relief official, Martin Griffiths, stepped down on Sunday, adding another layer of uncertainty to struggling efforts to get food, fuel and other supplies into Gaza, where almost nine months of war have brought an array of dire threats to the civilian population, including catastrophic hunger.

The U.N. secretary general, António Guterres, has not named a permanent replacement for Mr. Griffiths, whose departure from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, for health reasons, was announced in March.

“To my fellow humanitarians, it’s been my honor to lead you, represent you and learn from you,” Mr. Griffiths wrote in a post on social media on Sunday. “Yours is one of the most important jobs in the world: bringing hope, compassion, survival and humanity to people in their darkest hour.”

However, the relief efforts in Gaza have fallen far short of the needs of the sealed, densely populated enclave in which the majority of the population of some 2.2 million has been displaced. In May, Israel closed the Kerem Shalom crossing after a Hamas attack killed four soldiers in the area, then mounted an incursion that closed the Rafah crossing along the border with Egypt. U.N. officials said this effectively choked off the two main arteries for aid.

For most of the last month, aid deliveries within Gaza have slowed to a near halt. Hopes to revive them via a temporary pier built by the United States have largely been thwarted, partly by weather conditions that have more than once forced the pier to be moved from Gaza’s coast, and partly by the difficulty of distributing the aid once it arrives.

The U.N.’s main agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, earlier this month said that Gaza had become the deadliest place in the world for aid workers, with at least 250 killed since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel sparked the war in Gaza and a humanitarian crisis. U.N. aid agencies have demanded that the Israeli authorities do more to protect aid workers in the Gaza Strip and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it, Stéphane Dujarric, a U.N. spokesman, said on Tuesday.

On Friday, a Pentagon spokeswoman, Sabrina Singh, said that the temporary pier had been removed again ahead of sea turbulence, while indicating that the backlog of aid was taking up so much space that re-establishing the pier might not be a top priority.

Days earlier, in a social media post directed at the World Food Program, a U.N. agency that coordinates much of the humanitarian work in the enclave, the Israeli agency overseeing aid in Gaza displayed a photo of supplies that it said were waiting at the pier’s offloading area. “Stop making excuses and start playing your role as a humanitarian food organization and the head of the logistic cluster,” it said.

The World Food Program suspended operations near the pier earlier this month. The program’s officials said some of its facilities were hit during an Israeli mission that rescued four hostages but involved strikes that killed scores of Palestinians, including women and children.

In his last week as U.N. relief chief, Mr. Griffiths addressed concerns that the suspension might forecast the halt of all aid groups’ operations in Gaza. “We’re not running away from Gaza at all,” Mr. Griffiths said in an interview on Wednesday. But he added, “We are particularly concerned about the security situation in Gaza, and it is becoming more and more difficult to operate.”

On Sunday, a World Food Program spokeswoman confirmed that the organization’s suspension of operations at the pier remained in place, pending a security review by the U.N.’s safety and security arm, but said that the aid group had made arrangements to start clearing the backlog of undelivered aid and that it would “be distributed immediately.”

Anjana Sankar contributed reporting.

— Ephrat Livni

As thousands protest in Israel, a former hostage speaks out.

• Tel Aviv Jack Guez/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Tel Aviv Eloisa Lopez/Reuters
• Tel Aviv Atef Safadi/EPA, via Shutterstock

Thousands of anti-government protesters gathered on Saturday outside the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, renewing calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a cease-fire in Gaza that would allow the return of hostages taken during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7.

One protester held up a sign that called Mr. Netanyahu “the enemy of Israel,” while others covered themselves in fake blood and bandages and lay in the street.

Relatives and family members of hostages have held weekly street demonstrations since October to pressure the government to bring their loved ones home. Some hostages were released as part of a temporary cease-fire in November and others have been rescued. But more than 100 remain in Gaza. It is unclear how many are still alive.

Noa Argamani, a hostage who was rescued on June 8, called for the release of the remaining captives in a video by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents families of hostages held captive in Gaza.

“We must do everything possible to bring them back home,” Ms. Argamani said in the video. She was kidnapped and taken to Gaza along with her partner, Avinatan Or, on Oct. 7. He is still being held .

Efrat Yahalomi, the sister of Ohad Yahalomi, a French-Israeli hostage who was taken from the Kibbutz Nir Oz, said it was “incredibly painful” to know that Israeli hostages were languishing in captivity.

“Almost nine months have passed, and I’m still standing here with a heavy heart, while you, Ohad, are still not here,” she said in a statement released by the forum.

— Anjana Sankar