In 1984, the discovery of a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica provided dramatic evidence that human activities are causing irreparable damage to the atmospheric systems upon which life depends.  16 years ago, in 1987, the hole was as deep as Mount Everest and as large as the entire United States of America. It has, chillingly, grown rapidly since then - and yet forests continue to be cleared for development.  Cars, power stations and factories continue to give out huge amounts of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.


There is now overwhelming evidence to suggest that this disruption, that mankind is causing, will eventually disrupt our lives in ways that we have so far not even completely comprehended.

We can ill-afford to take this uncertainly as an excuse for inaction in dealing with the problem.  On the contrary, they should be seen as a reason to begin reducing our impact on the atmosphere  Now, as an insurance policy for our collective well-being in the future.  The most effective action that individuals and green organisations can take, is to plant trees. Planting trees leads to a healing chain reaction superior to any other, as trees absorb carbon dioxide and help maintain the delicate balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Armed with a powerful and versatile weapon like Neem, the Foundation feels empowered to act and do its bit in limiting global environmental threats and to take on its share of responsibility towards the environment.  With its thick foliage canopy, very high leaf surface area and given its high absorption power for SO2, Neem stands out for its SO2 sink properties. Massive plantations of Neem trees can help fight the menace of green house gases given its relatively high efficiency of CO2 fixation.

Neem trees acts as very efficient, natural air filters trapping dust particles, absorbing gaseous pollutants. The planting of Neem trees helps reduce green house gases through photosynthesis absorbing large quantities of CO2 and producing oxygen. Neem has remarkable ability to withstand air and water pollution, as well as heat. Neem also restores and maintains soil fertility. The roots of Neem tree have the unique physiological capacity to extract nutrients and moisture from even highly leached sandy soils.

Neem plantations have a marked impact on the area's microclimate, microflora and microfauna. Neem also plays a significant role in enriching the floral and faunal biodiversity, as a huge variety of organisms, from insects to birds and mammals subsist on Neem. Neem can be successfully used for rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems and wastelands. Can one ever plant enough trees ? No, the campaign to plant more trees is a never ending one.  In 2003 the Foundation in co-operation with the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. and the Times Foundation planted  52,758 trees in Maharashtra alone.  These trees were planted on protected sites with support of Defence and State Authorities.

The Foundation is set to launch a participative scheme for all those who wish to join in the campaign to plant neem trees to fight the threat of global warming. A dedicated  plantation of Neem is being set up on the Foundation's own site near Nagpur in Central India.

For details visit our website