andr99, forests are cleared mainly for farming. Farmers do not plant sand, they plant crops which grow faster than trees and absorb more CO2 than trees. For example a corn planting grows from 0 cm to 2 meters in just 4-5 months.
And when I built this house 2 years ago, I planted grass which grows so much I have to mow evert 3 days. And look at the forest behind my house!
We planted Clover this year way nicer than grass and doesn't grow so much same effect!!