Everyone is aware that the Earth is getting warmer and warmer. One of the well-known impacts of global warming is the stronger typhoons we have experienced these past years—Typhoon Hagibis is the most recent example.
Aside from reducing greenhouse gases emission, reforestation and forest conservation are among the proposed solutions. According to a recent study, trees could lower day time temperature by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Not a big leap but still a good step, especially considering how beneficial it is not just to a planetary scope but also to an individual.
David Nowak, a senior US Forest Service scientist who also co-authored a study about deforestation rate in America, said that trees can reduce heat by providing shade on ground surface, which prevents the moisture on it to vaporize. Trees also absorb the vapors.
It is said that water vapor makes typhoons stronger, meaning the more water vapor present in the atmosphere, the stronger storms become.
But that is not all of it. Trees also absorb air pollutants, flood, noise, and even UV radiation that causes various skin conditions.
It also provides habitat for wild animals and aesthetic quality to places.
Despite all of these proven benefits, the United States seems not to be taking forest conservation efforts serious enough. According to the study that Nowak co-authored, the country loses 36 million trees annually from the last five years. Recently, a plan to lift the logging regulation in the U.S.'s biggest forest reserve located in Alaska was being processed.
Although natural phenomena like storms, wildfires, and pestilence also have contributed, economic development is the main reason. Forests are converted to roads or commercial spaces. Some trees are cut down for lumber.
If this continues, Nowak feared that cities will become "generally unhealthy" for inhabitants.
Conserving urban forest is especially more difficult. A forest conserves itself with the help of forest animals that disperse their seeds. But cities are normally covered with asphalt, which limits the ground for repopulating. This is why the help of citizens is very much needed. Reforestation is not as simple as planting saplings on empty land. Years of aftercare have to follow to make sure that these young trees can survive on their own.
According to Greg Levine, co-executive director of Trees Atlanta, post-planting care can take as much as 10 years. This is why volunteer groups like Trees Atlanta create long-term but efficient reforestation plans.
But what exactly do you need to do to at least help with minimizing tree loss?
Nowak said that the first step will be treating the trees in your backyard like it's a valuable property. By doing so, Nowak believed that it will make you want to protect what you have.
Educating yourself about tree planting is also important. You can do that by attending city counting meetings or getting involved with tree-related activities.
Nowak also encouraged people to observe their trees. Like humans and animals, trees can get sick too. Common symptoms include losing leaves or if mushrooms are seen growing at the base or on the body of the tree. If such things were observed, please consult the local agricultural extension office for advice.
Cutting down old trees is also highly discouraged, especially when not needed. A tree will need at least 50 to 100 years to get big, so replanting in exchange for this old tree is not a good excuse.
Instead of cutting them down, remove some branches, or decorate them.
Lastly, volunteering to tree planting and research organizations is highly appreciated. Some examples are listed below:
- Trees Atlanta
- The Arbor Day Foundation
- National Forest Foundation
- ReLeaf Michigan
- Urban ReLeaf
- Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition
© 2024 NatureWorldNews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
