TREES | CLIMATE CHANGE | NATURE
3 Reasons Why Trees Are Amazing Helpers in the Fight Against Global Warming
National Tree Week is currently taking place in the UK. Trees are among the most important CO2 reservoirs and have many useful benefits.
Trees are considered the ultimate CO2 reservoir! And not without reason. We have all heard of photosynthesis at least once:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) are absorbed by the plant and converted into glucose (C6H12O6) as well as oxygen (O2), which is vital for humans.
It’s no wonder that protecting our forests and reforestation are at the top of the list in the fight against climate change. And with National Tree Week, the United Kingdom has been leading a wonderful tradition for almost 50 years, which is now more important than ever.
So on a global level, trees help protect our atmosphere. But how else do we benefit from them?
Trees Cool During Heat
If you go into the forest on a hot summer day, you will notice how pleasantly cool it is there. One might assume that this is due to the shadows. But how is it that the shadow of a high-rise building does not have the same effect as that of a tree?
The phenomenon is very easy to understand.
The tree absorbs water through its roots, which evaporates again through its leaves. This creates evaporative cooling.
👉 You are probably familiar with this. For example, from the outdoor pool when you get out of the water and feel cold despite very warm temperatures.
Liquid water evaporates in the air, changing its state of aggregation. When it changes from liquid to gaseous, it extracts energy from the body, in other words, heat → hence evaporative cooling.
In the forest, this can make a difference of several degrees.
That’s amazing, isn’t it?
Trees Protect Biodiversity
Species extinction is one of the great problems of our time and according to World Animal Foundation, an average of 137 species become extinct every day due to deforestation.
For many birds, insects, and mammals, forests serve as an important habitat. But countless fungi and plants also depend on trees. Together, they all form part of an ecosystem. And if one of the components is missing, it disturbs the system until it finally collapses.
And then it is only a matter of time before this also affects humans.
- Already today, we are seeing a further decline in bird species in many places. And if we’re missing the birdsong, it’s not only pretty sad, but it actually affects people’s mental health, as a recent study has confirmed.
- And insect mortality is by no means just about “pesky parasites,” but also about beauties like butterflies or beneficial insects like honeybees.
Forests As Natural Protection Against Extreme Weather
With global warming, extreme weather events such as heavy rain or hurricanes are becoming more frequent. Forests can serve as natural protection against some of these events.
- For example, the humus soil of a healthy forest absorbs water like a sponge, while the root system of trees and plants holds the soil together, protecting it from erosion.
- Furthermore, other vegetation on slopes can slow down and absorb water, thus protecting built-up areas in the valley.
What Can I Do To Help?
A study from 2019 by ETH Zurich looked at how trees can save the climate.
Besides their function as CO2 reservoirs, there are many reasons to protect forests around the world and to plant new ones. Those who don’t have the opportunity to help out themselves can plant a tree for as little as $1.
