New Zealand is getting closer to the plan to plant 1 billion trees. The government provided a $ 240m additional fund for this project, bringing its total budget to $ 485 million over the next three years.

If adopted, the program would play a key role in country efforts to mitigate climate change. New Zealand is considering implementing a zero emissions target by 2050 and planting trees can be incorporated into a trading scheme.

"Obtaining ETS can delay planting 340 million trees over the next 10 years, double the number that will be planted if the ETS is left in its current state," said Forestry Minister Shane Jones for Stuff. "This is one of the most important levers that the government needs to promote planting trees to help achieve the goals of our Billion Tree program," he added.

Trees fight climate change by drawing on the emissions of gases from the atmosphere. They also help protect landscapes from the most extreme consequences of climate change, such as floods and storms. This is at the top of many other tree benefits, air, soil and water purification; providing food and shelter; even more.