As Arbour Month comes to a close, South Africans have been encouraged to plant as many trees as they can.

Scientists emphasise that increasing vegetation and biodiversity would help with the absorption of greenhouse gas emissions, a key issue in the global conversation on climate change.

To mark Arbour Month, Joburg City Parks and Zoo planted 6 500 trees. Spokesperson Jenny Moodley says this is just the beginning.

“City Parks has a target to bold plant 50 000 new trees by June 2026. Every person who has ever opened a newspaper, read a book, written a note, or is simply alive and breathing has benefitted from nature’s natural air filters trees.

“Around the world, trees are under threat and our city is no different. In Johannesburg, the issue is more pressing as our trees are aging and they have reached their end of life,” Moodley adds.

Growing a greener & inclusive future together! @UN Resident Coordinator @nmuffuh joined forces in the #1MillionTrees campaign, which aims to plant 1 million trees in a single day across the country! 🌍🌱@environmentza @UNinSouthAfrica #HeritageDay #ClimateAction pic.twitter.com/KpYT1GlF1x

— UNHCR South Africa (@unhcrsafrica) September 24, 2025