An example of outcomes using the guiding principles set out in this article for tree planting. Tree planting and/or the creation of green spaces is an objective within many nations’ climate policies due to their coupled climate mitigation- adaptation co-benefit potential, e.g., as a carbon sink, providing shade during heatwaves and flood risk attenuation. Without such principles, a target could be created for a single benefit that is focused solely on the number of trees planted, raising the likelihood of maladaptation. With the guiding principles, a target for multiple benefits will also consider the variety of trees planted and how this can meet biodiversity, health, mitigation and adaptation goals; processes for how organisations and communities within a place could collaborate on the goal and consider the location of tree planting to reduce vulnerability and clarify the ownership of unevenly distributed risks.

An example of outcomes using the guiding principles set out in this article for tree planting. Tree planting and/or the creation of green spaces is an objective within many nations’ climate policies due to their coupled climate mitigation- adaptation co-benefit potential, e.g., as a carbon sink, providing shade during heatwaves and flood risk attenuation. Without such principles, a target could be created for a single benefit that is focused solely on the number of trees planted, raising the likelihood of maladaptation. With the guiding principles, a target for multiple benefits will also consider the variety of trees planted and how this can meet biodiversity, health, mitigation and adaptation goals; processes for how organisations and communities within a place could collaborate on the goal and consider the location of tree planting to reduce vulnerability and clarify the ownership of unevenly distributed risks.