The Conversation has an article Forests are growing again where human well-being is increasing, finds new study.

This is true as far as it goes: wealthier countries are increasing their forest cover, and poorer countries are losing forest. But of course there are caveats:

[S]witching from net forest loss to net gain may simply involve sourcing things like wooden furniture or paper pulp from abroad, often from poorer nations with weaker environmental policies and safeguards … [for example in] Vietnam, where national increases in forest cover were linked to sharp increases in imported wood, about half of which was illegal.
. . .
… recovered forests often aren’t all they seem. Under some definitions they can include plantations of oil palm or rubber – technically “forests”, yet with few of the ecological benefits of the environment they replace.

Caveat emptor, as usual!

The Woodland Trust have an article on the fight for street trees:
Street fighters: Protests, petitions, planting and paints. It takes all sorts to stand up for street trees. It includes the little section:

Urban trees hold historical and cultural significance. They’re part of our urban heritage. They’re landmarks. Old friends.
But they also serve us in other ways. They clean our air. They shade our pavements. They lift spirits, feed wildlife and beautify our surroundings. They even increase the value of our homes.
Without trees, our towns and cities would be very different places.
. . .
What do street trees do for us? They create habitats for wildlife. Trees provide homes and food for birds, insects and other wildlife.
They promote health and well-being. People exercise more and feel better around trees.
They prevent flooding. Trees intercept rain water and can even slow floods.
Trees improve air quality. Trees reduce air pollution and keep our cities shaded and cool.
Trees elevate house prices. Houses are worth more and sell quicker on streets with trees.

This is why I believe in trees.