According to the United Nations, approximately 1.9 billion hectares of land worldwide are abandoned and could potentially be reforested to provide significant benefits for mitigating climate change. However, in the face of climate change, the use of forests should not be limited to slopes and hillsides. Forests and trees have important functions in urban, rural, and community environments.

Trees in cities provide shade, evaporative cooling, rainwater interception, storage, and infiltration services. Forestation in and around cities can play an important role in adapting to climate change, such as in rural areas in the UK, where hedgerows and windbreaks are used to increase community resilience. Studies have shown that adding 10% green cover to Manchester city center can reduce the highest surface temperature by 2.2℃, as well as reduce runoff during rainfall.