also there is a systemic effect. More forests means more rain. Under the current models we send most of the rainfall immediately back into rivers + oceans. By

also there is a systemic effect. More forests means more rain. Under the current models we send most of the rainfall immediately back into rivers + oceans. By creating inland forests we get mini little "oceans" to evaporate and move water for a 2nd rainfall. Each cycle the plants + ground hold onto a little, but mostly it can be evaporated and re-rained again and again. Deserts have the issue that they have little to hold onto the water, and to reevaporate it for subsequent rainfalls.