Forest chump? Scientists take a closer look at tree planting projects

The world needs forests but not all forestation projects are equal. Photo: dpa

If your work and lifestyle leave a heavy carbon footprint, you can have trees planted to compensate. Companies do the same, because trees store carbon dioxide (CO2), which helps the climate, right?

Mostly yes, though it can be more complicated. Even if planted trees benefit the climate, the degree to which they do so is often impossible to quantify, say scientists.