Why Trees ?
The main cause of global warming is carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, this is responsible for absorbing solar energy and trapping heat from the sun close to Earth’s surface. Unfortunately, the levels of CO2 in our atmosphere are rapidly increasing, mainly due to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
Each year an area of trees equal to the size of Panama is cut down, and approximately half of the world’s tropical forests have now been lost through logging.
The impact of trees on the environment
Reducing CO2 in the atmosphere
Trees absorb CO2 from the air and in return release oxygen. As a tree matures, it can release enough oxygen to sustain two human beings and by the time the average tree reaches 40 years old, it will have absorbed around one ton of CO2.
Purifying the air
Trees absorb not only CO2, but also other pollutants and toxic gases which can be harmful to humans in excessive amounts. Some examples are benzene, which is present in car exhaust fumes, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.
Preventing desertification
Without trees, soil can become dry which can harm agriculture. The shade that trees provide help to reduce the temperature of the soil and retain its moisture, whilst fallen decaying leaves provide nutrients for plants and microorganisms to grow.
Maintaining biodiversity
Trees are home to millions of species of insects, fungi, mammals, and plants providing them with food and shelter. Deforestation has already led to the extinction of some species, therefore, planting trees is necessary to help prevent further extinctions and maintain biodiversity.
Alleviating flooding
Trees absorb rainfall and alleviate flooding - a mature evergreen tree can intercept more than 15,000 litres of water every year.
Preventing water pollution
Rainwater can contain pollutants such as phosphorous and nitrogen which end up flowing into our oceans and polluting the water. Trees absorb the rainfall into their roots, preventing it from going to the ocean therefore helping to ensure clean water is available.
Saving our energy and money
Our streets and neighbourhoods are becoming hotter. Trees release moisture and provide necessary shade, cooling the areas around them. The cooling effect from trees can help save energy and money as it reduces the need for air conditioning. In the winter, trees can shelter homes from the wind, helping reduce heating costs by up to 25%.
Trees absorb CO2 from the air and in return release oxygen. As a tree matures, it can release enough oxygen to sustain two human beings and by the time the average tree reaches 40 years old, it will have absorbed around one ton of CO2.
Purifying the air
Trees absorb not only CO2, but also other pollutants and toxic gases which can be harmful to humans in excessive amounts. Some examples are benzene, which is present in car exhaust fumes, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.
Preventing desertification
Without trees, soil can become dry which can harm agriculture. The shade that trees provide help to reduce the temperature of the soil and retain its moisture, whilst fallen decaying leaves provide nutrients for plants and microorganisms to grow.
Maintaining biodiversity
Trees are home to millions of species of insects, fungi, mammals, and plants providing them with food and shelter. Deforestation has already led to the extinction of some species, therefore, planting trees is necessary to help prevent further extinctions and maintain biodiversity.
Alleviating flooding
Trees absorb rainfall and alleviate flooding - a mature evergreen tree can intercept more than 15,000 litres of water every year.
Preventing water pollution
Rainwater can contain pollutants such as phosphorous and nitrogen which end up flowing into our oceans and polluting the water. Trees absorb the rainfall into their roots, preventing it from going to the ocean therefore helping to ensure clean water is available.
Saving our energy and money
Our streets and neighbourhoods are becoming hotter. Trees release moisture and provide necessary shade, cooling the areas around them. The cooling effect from trees can help save energy and money as it reduces the need for air conditioning. In the winter, trees can shelter homes from the wind, helping reduce heating costs by up to 25%.
Planting trees is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to tackle the climate crisis.
The current trend is that greenhouse gas emissions are on the rise. According to scientific research, a worldwide planting programme can reverse this trend as well as remove two-thirds of all the emissions caused by human activities that remain in the atmosphere today. But the amount of forest restoration needed to remove the full 200 billion tonnes of carbon in the atmosphere is estimated to take between 50 and 100 years. That's why we must start now.
How does tree planting work?
Essentially, trees absorb and store the carbon dioxide emissions that drive global heating. They remove pollutants from the air, create oxygen and provide shade.
All of this helps to reduce global temperatures and contributes to minimising the impacts of carbon emissions.
How does tree planting work?
Essentially, trees absorb and store the carbon dioxide emissions that drive global heating. They remove pollutants from the air, create oxygen and provide shade.
All of this helps to reduce global temperatures and contributes to minimising the impacts of carbon emissions.