Ministry Pushes for Enhanced Forest Protection and Tree Planting Amid El Niño Forecast

The Ministry of Environment has called for strengthened forest protection and expanded tree planting initiatives in anticipation of the near-future return of the El Niño climate phenomenon. In a July 1 statement, the ministry explained that El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon that alters ocean temperatures and global weather patterns. It brings prolonged hot and dry conditions, reduced rainfall, drought, and a heightened risk of wildfires to many parts of the world. While humans cannot prevent El Niño from occurring, the ministry said they can strengthen nature’s—and their own—ability to cope with its impacts through one simple solution: trees. The ministry elaborated that trees help cool the environment. By providing shade and releasing moisture through their leaves, they lower surrounding temperatures and reduce the intensity of heatwaves. Communities with healthy tree cover are noticeably cooler than areas dominated by concrete and asphalt. During periods of extreme heat, this cooling effect helps protect people, livestock, and crops. Trees also play a critical role in water management. Their root systems allow rainwater to penetrate deep into the soil rather than running off the surface. This helps replenish groundwater, sustain streams and canals during the dry season, and preserve water supplies when rainfall is scarce. In many ways, forests function as natural reservoirs, storing water for times when it is needed most. Healthy forests also protect the soil. Their roots hold soil together, reducing erosion, while fallen leaves create organic matter that helps retain moisture. During droughts, farmland surrounded by healthy vegetation is generally more resilient because the soil loses moisture more slowly. Trees also help regulate the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their trunks, branches, roots, and the soil. Although planting trees cannot stop El Niño, healthy forests help reduce long-term global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions, helping to moderate future climate change. Most importantly during El Niño, forests reduce the risk of environmental collapse. Healthy forests conserve biodiversity, provide habitat for wildlife, protect water sources, and serve as natural barriers against strong winds and prolonged heat. Communities living near well-preserved forests generally enjoy more reliable water supplies and healthier ecosystems than those where forests have been destroyed. However, the ministry stressed that trees can only protect people if people protect them. During extended dry periods, forests become highly vulnerable to wildfires. A single careless act—such as burning rubbish, clearing land with fire, or discarding a lit cigarette—can destroy thousands of trees within hours. Every forest fire not only destroys wildlife habitat but also releases massive amounts of carbon back into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change. For that reason, the ministry noted that everyone has a responsibility to help. People are encouraged to protect existing trees, plant more, prevent forest fires, avoid illegal logging, care for young saplings, support community forests, and expand green spaces in urban areas. The government, schools, businesses, monks, youth groups, and local communities all have important roles to play. Schools can teach children to value and protect nature. Communities can organize tree-planting and forest conservation activities. Businesses can expand green spaces around workplaces, while families can plant shade trees around their homes and care for them for future generations. The relationship between trees and El Niño is simple but profound, the ministry concluded. Trees cannot prevent El Niño from occurring, but they can significantly reduce its impacts. They cool the air, conserve water, protect soil, lower wildfire risks, support agriculture, preserve biodiversity, and strengthen the resilience of communities.