OPINION: You don’t need to be a forester to make a difference — just plant a tree

In the face of extreme heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and vanishing green spaces, one humble action stands tall—planting a tree.

And here’s the truth: you don’t need a degree in forestry or an environmental badge to make an impact. All you need is a seedling, a patch of earth, and the will to protect our future.

Across the world, climate change is no longer a distant concept. It's here—in our dry taps, our parched farms, and rising temperatures.

Yet in this massive, global problem lies a refreshingly simple solution: trees. They clean the air, cool our surroundings, stabilize the soil, and provide homes for biodiversity.

And perhaps most importantly, they give us a sense of agency in a world where many feel powerless.

That’s why the act of planting a tree, no matter how small, is revolutionary.

This year, Ghana has taken a bold step under the Tree for Life initiative, aiming to plant 30 million seedlings nationwide. The vision is clear: make tree planting a national culture, not a one-day campaign.

And to support this, the Forestry Commission has been giving out free seedlings at strategic locations till the end of June—removing every excuse not to get involved.

From city dwellers to rural communities, school children to retirees, the message is the same: this is everyone’s fight, and everyone can be part of the solution.

We often leave environmental issues to the so-called experts—scientists, policymakers, and conservationists. But the reality is, restoring our planet starts with ordinary people doing ordinary things with extraordinary commitment.

You don’t need to know the Latin names of trees or understand photosynthesis to plant one. All you need is a moment and a little care.

Imagine the transformation if every Ghanaian planted and nurtured just one tree this year.

Imagine school compounds shaded, roads lined with green, and degraded lands beginning to breathe again. That’s the power of collective action.

So don’t wait for another Earth Day or a special event. Pick up a seedling. Plant it in your backyard, your church yard, or at your child’s school. Water it. Watch it grow.

Talk about it. Inspire someone else to do the same.

Because when it comes to saving the planet, there’s no such thing as a small effort—and you don’t need to be a forester to make a difference. You just need to start.

Credit: Thinknewsonline.com