A recent United Nations report suggests that the world is on track to exceed the 1.5°C temperature rise limit outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement by 2030. As a result, climate action has become a global priority, with tree planting emerging as one of the most visible and easily communicated solutions. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate global warming. Initiatives like the Bonn Challenge aim to restore 350 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2030, offering a promising vision for large-scale environmental recovery. However, experts warn that tree planting may not always be the best solution, especially in certain ecosystems. Planting trees in the wrong locations can lead to unintended consequences. For example, planting trees in natural grasslands, shrublands, or savannas—ecosystems that have evolved with low and variable rainfall—can disrupt local water cycles, reduce biodiversity, and threaten the livelihoods of people who depend on these landscapes. The African Union’s Great Green Wall Initiative, launched in 2007 to combat desertification across 22 countries, has had limited success. While the goal was to stop the Sahara’s southern expansion, the project has struggled to achieve its full potential, highlighting the challenges of large-scale tree planting in dry regions. Drylands, which cover about 40% of the Earth's surface, are not barren or unproductive. They support billions of people and play a key role in the global carbon cycle. These ecosystems have adapted to low and unpredictable rainfall, recurring droughts, and natural disturbances. Native grasses, shrubs, and scattered trees are not signs of degradation but rather components of a functional biome. Ecologists warn that planting trees in these areas can disrupt local ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and even reduce water availability. In some cases, planting trees may not help the climate as much as it seems, due to factors like water use and changes in how much sunlight is reflected from the Earth’s surface. Alternative approaches to land restoration in drylands focus on working with existing ecosystems rather than replacing them. In Niger, for example, farmers have successfully regrown millions of hectares of land by protecting and managing native trees and shrubs that naturally resprout from existing roots or seeds. This method, known as farmer-managed natural regeneration, avoids large-scale tree-planting campaigns and instead adapts to local agricultural needs. In Burkina Faso, farmers have revived traditional practices like zaï—small pits that collect water and nutrients to improve crop growth. These methods restore soil health, improve water retention, and support local communities without forcing a forested landscape. The key takeaway is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for restoring ecosystems. Tree planting can be effective in deforested areas where the local climate and conditions support it, but it should not be assumed that more trees always mean better climate outcomes. Governments and donors should prioritize restoring natural ecosystems, protecting water resources, and preserving native biodiversity before promoting large-scale tree-planting projects. Drylands are not failed landscapes—they are unique ecosystems that support life, store carbon, and provide resources for people. The goal should be to work with, not against, the natural environment.