[Field Sketch] Growing Urban Forests Together - Climatus College Tree Planting Day > 게시글

■ Small Forests for a Sustainable Future

In 2025, South Korea marks the 80th anniversary of Arbor Day, which was first established in 1946 to promote tree planting for a healthier environment and sustainable forest resources. As the climate crisis intensifies, forests are no longer simply green spaces—they are essential NbS(nature-based solutions) that must be preserved and restored.

According to the National Institute of Forest Science, one hectare of birch forest in Korea can absorb approximately 6.3 tons of carbon dioxide and produce 5 tons of oxygen annually—enough to supply 20 adults with oxygen for a year. The IUCN(International Union for Conservation of Nature) reports that forests worldwide absorb approximately 2.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide each year. Beyond carbon capture, trees and forests play a key role in mitigating urban heat islands, storing rainwater as “natural dams,” preventing landslides and droughts, and maintaining biodiversity—essential services for the stability and resilience of urban ecosystems.

Forests go beyond being green spaces; they play a vital role in our daily lives and are key to tackling the climate crisis and building a sustainable future.

■ Urban Gardens, Cultivating Green Change Together

To engage directly with the value of urban forests and take meaningful action, Climatus College participated in the “Urban Garden Tree Planting” event held on April 26 at Boramae Park in Seoul. Organized by Forest For Life(a non-profit corporation in South Korea), the event aimed to expand green spaces within the city and promote ecological transformation through active citizen participation.

The tree planting activity, joined by Climatus College’s university student climate action group, U-SAVERS, was more than a beautification effort—it served as a powerful reminder of the importance of reconnecting with nature through hands-on climate action in urban settings. By digging into the soil and planting trees themselves, participants were able to deeply reflect on the significance and value of contributing to a greener urban environment.

■ Taking Action for a Greener Tomorrow

Climatus College has continued its involvement in carbon offset forest initiatives, working in collaboration with local governments, corporations, and civic organizations in Yangpyeong and Seoul. In 2025, when large-scale wildfires caused significant environmental damage across the country, our tree planting efforts carried even greater significance from the perspectives of ecological restoration and climate crisis response. As the climate crisis accelerates, the urgency of restoring forests and ecosystems has never been greater. This activity served as a powerful reminder that even small actions can create a butterfly effect, leading to meaningful change. Adding forests to urban spaces is more than just a greening effort—it helps restore habitats for various species, offers spaces of rest and healing for residents, and strengthens the resilience of cities in the face of climate change.

Climatus College will continue to engage in tree planting as a practical and symbolic activity for achieving carbon neutrality and ecological transition. With a firm belief that small but consistent actions can pave the way to a greener future, we aim to expand climate action together with even more members of the community.