Reforestation is the restocking of existing forests and woodlands which have been depleted. Trees emit oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from our atmosphere. Demand for reforestation is increasing. Because of global warming, endangered species, and our economic needs (houses, paper, furniture, etc.), reforestation has become essential. Reforestation can also refer to afforestation, the process of restoring and recreating woodlands or forest that were deforested or otherwise destroyed in the past. The resulting forest provides ecosystem and resource benefits such as pollution and dust control, and has the potential to become a major carbon sink.