Why Large-Scale Tree-Planting Targets Risk Undermining EU Climate and Biodiversity Goals

By: Alexia Stokes, INRAE _ 10 March 2026

Key  message:  While trees are essential to Europe’s climate and biodiversity strategy, massive, target-driven tree-planting programmes are a blunt and risky policy instrument. Data show they can undermine biodiversity, water security, climate mitigation integrity, and social legitimacy. The EU should prioritize ecosystem protection, natural regeneration, and people-centred restoration, rather than numerical tree-planting targets.

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