As you may have heard, a popular youtuber named MrBeast has started a project, partnering with Teamtrees and 600 other YouTubers; he plans to plant 20 million trees by the first of 2020. This may seem like an unachievable goal, but it has only been a few days and he has already raised more than 10 Million dollars for the Earth! This means that he has a very good chance at actually achieving his goal soon.
He has partnered with some big names from the youtube community such as Pewdiepie, Jacksepticeye, Mark Rober, Marshmello, and so many more YouTubers that have agreed to this daring task.
Their plan is to partner with teamtrees, a charity that apparently plants a tree for every dollar donated to their charity. This goal seems achievable, because MrBeast has more than 20 million subscribers currently, meaning that if every single one of his subscribers donates at least one dollar, he will definitely achieve what he set out to do.
What does this mean for the Earth?
20 Million new trees will make some big changes for the environment. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, effectively removing the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But alas, NBC news says that the tree planting movements may have side effects on the areas they have been planted on. One article that I have read says that some environments may not be good for the incoming trees! “The concern is if you start planting trees where you have snow, you’re changing the color of the land surface and making it darker,” Poulter said. “Dark surfaces absorb more energy than lighter surfaces, so you’re actually going to warm the environment.” This quote is taken from NBC News’s article on why the new trees may not be such a saving grace. The tree planting organization, TeamTrees, shows absolutely no sign of stopping, and I for one support them in their goal. I understand why some have concerns, but teamtrees promises to only plant trees in deforested areas.
As for now, the new trees are being put in all around our world, and I think that it will be a helpful push against climate change.
Update: As of January 1st, the goal was reached!
By Nell Zuckman 26’