Tree plantation is praised everywhere in Pakistan. Campaigns take place, photos are shared and numbers are celebrated. One hard truth gets little attention. Every tree does not help the climate. Some choices damage water, soil and local life. A tree that drinks too much water can dry the land around it. A fast growing foreign species can push out local plants. A thick canopy can block sunlight needed for crops. These are real outcomes seen in many areas. Still, people plant whatever is easily available in nurseries without knowing the impact. In Sindh and many dry regions, water is already scarce. Planting trees that need heavy watering adds pressure on an already struggling system.
Climate friendly trees are those that grow naturally in a local area. They survive with less water and support birds, insects and soil life, all without disturbing nearby land use. Trees like neem, peepal, banyan, kikar and moringa fit well in many parts of Pakistan.
Muhammad Shahjahan Memon
Islamabad
