IRELAND – The Irish Times reported that Ireland will plant 440 million trees by 2040 as part of its efforts to combat the climate crisis.

The government had already promised to plant more trees as part of a climate action plan released in June, which aims to make Ireland carbon neutral by 2050 by investing in renewable energy, instituting a carbon tax and changing land use. But the plan did not specify an exact number of trees to be planted.

Now, a Department of Communications Climate Action and Environment spokeswoman has given The Irish Times an exact figure. “The target for new forestation is approximately 22 million trees per year. Over the next 20 years, the target is to plant 440 million,” she said.

If Ireland’s initiative is to succeed, it will need to persuade farmers to plant more trees on their land, something the government acknowledges is currently not popular, The Irish Times reported.

The government plans to convince farmers and to hold community meetings across the country to bolster support for reforestation.