FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE ONE TREE AT A TIME

For Immediate Release
May 21, 2008

FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE ONE TREE AT A TIME
McGuinty Government Challenges Ontarians To Plant A Tree

NEWS

Ontarians are being challenged to plant trees in their yards, their neighbourhoods and their communities to help green the environment and fight the effects of climate change.

Planting trees is vital to the health of Ontario. Trees clean the air, help combat climate change, increase wildlife habitat, provide shade and help prevent flooding.

This challenge complements the McGuinty government's plan to plant 50 million trees, which is the most ambitious project of its kind in North America and the single largest commitment to the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has set up a website at ontario.ca/plantatree where people can tell the world how they’re fighting climate change by planting trees.  They can send in stories and photographs of their tree-planting events, highlight how many trees they've planted, and find useful information about planting trees and its benefits.

QUOTES

“I’m proud that Ontarians are working together across the province to fight climate change by planting trees,” said Minister of Natural Resources Donna Cansfield. “I look forward to seeing many more people join the fight and take a leading role in our Plant A Tree challenge.”

QUICK FACTS

• While they are growing, trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas which contributes to climate change, and convert it into the main components of wood, including cellulose, to form stems, branches and roots.
• Planting 50 million trees will result in the storage of about 3.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2054.
• In the first phase of the 50 Million Tree program, the Ministry of Natural Resources will invest up to $4 million and partner with Trees Ontario to work with agencies such as Ontario Stewardship councils, conservation authorities and contractors to do large-scale tree planting in rural areas of southern Ontario.

LEARN MORE

• Send in your stories and photos of tree planting
• Learn more about the 50 Million Trees Program
• Find out about the government's partnership with Evergreen on the Ministry of Natural Resources/Evergreen Community Tree Planting Grant Program
• Read tips on how to plant trees so they grow and thrive

Related Information

Addressing Climate Change: Lend a Hand: Plant a Tree Website and 50 Million Trees and Community Tree Planting Programs

For More Information

Media Enquiries

David Bauer, Minister’s Office, 416-314-2212
Jolanta Kowalski, Communications Services Branch, 416-314-2106

ontario.ca/natural resources-news

General Enquiries

Natural Resources Information Centre
1-800-667-1940
TTY 1-866-686-6072 (Hearing Impaired)