Climate change is undoubtably the greatest threat to the health of our planet. The side effects of globalization and industrialization include mass deforestation, water, soil and air pollution, species elimination, wetland draining and extreme weather events. Simply stated, our lifestyles are exhausting our planet.
Climate change is, of course, a naturally occurring cyclical phenomenon. Geologists have unearthed clear evidence of glacial advance and retreat over 650,000 years as the earth’s climate naturally fluctuates. However, the relatively recent rise in average atmospheric temperatures can be directly linked to human activity, accelerated by deforestation.
Trees and mangroves are natural carbon sinks. They absorb dangerous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it within their root and bark systems. Clear-cutting forests removes that benefit, leading to higher concentrations of atmospheric CO2, which increases the greenhouse effect, raising temperatures. Planting trees is one of the most affordable and effective long-term strategies for offsetting global climate change.
But carbon sequestration is just one benefit provided by trees. Let’s review 10 more ways that our planet can be healthier by planting more trees…
1. Energy conservation
Trees can help reduce heating and cooling costs by lowering the temperature in hotter months, and providing a windbreak during winters. Air conditioning needs can be cut up to 50% by just planting shade-creating trees around your home.
2. Developing cooler communities
Tree leaf canopies can act as local climate control mechanisms. Research shows that during peak summer temperatures, leaves use evapotranspiration to reduce city air temperatures by 2 – 9°F (1 – 5°C). Tree canopies can also divert over 60% of incoming solar radiation. For example, a common European pear tree has been found to provide around 6kW of cooling: the equivalent of two small air-conditioning units.
3. Preventing soil erosion
Trees help in preventing soil erosion by reducing the amount of water in soil through transpiration, thus binding the soil on hillsides and slopes. Mangroves also play a critical role in stabilizing coastal shorelines.
4. Purifying air & water
In addition to CO2, trees absorb pollutant gases like nitrogen, ammonia, carbon monoxide, and even bad odors. Mangroves have been shown to absorb and filter toxins such as nitrates, phosphates and dissolved organic compounds from flowing water.
5. Protecting biodiversity
Trees also provide safe harbor for native animals, insects, pollinators and plants. Shelter, shade, food and nutrients make trees a pivotal part of every local ecosystem.
6. Tree planting grows communities
When we plant trees, we’re also growing communities. Tree planting, and the ongoing nurturing and protection of new forests brings local villagers critical jobs, food security, social empowerment and a reliable income. In many regions, stable employment by tree planting prevents further deforestation and carbon release from charcoal gangs.
7. Fighting against noise pollution
Trees act as natural sound barriers, using sound attenuation to reduce the intensity of noise by absorbing, refracting, deflecting and masking it.
8. Improving both physical and mental health
Biologists have shown that living near trees has many unexpected medical benefits. It helps in reducing blood pressure, lowering stress, improving memory and boosts the immune system. Tree shade also reduces damaging UV-B radiation exposure by up to 50%.
9. Urban greening can reduce crime
Urban greening creates a strong correlation between more tree canopy and lower crime. In New Haven, Connecticut a 10% increase in tree canopy was associated with a 14% decrease in property crimes and a 15% decrease in violent crime. In Baltimore, a 10% increase in tree canopy was associated with a roughly 12% decrease in crime. Trees also contribute towards the character of the environment and encourage civic pride.
10. Trees affect seasonal cycles
Deforestation affects the actual timing of our seasons. A study in the Amazon found that the onset of the rainy season was delayed as local deforestation increased. In addition, there was a higher probability of drought in areas with greater deforestation.
Arborists are tree caretakers
While planting millions of new native trees around the world is the core of our Evergrow mission, we also recognize the critical importance of local tree health and protection. Arborists are professional tree experts that use their deep knowledge of tree biology, soil conditions, local climate and pest defense, to nurture our local forests and community trees. We’re grateful for the support and insight that arborists and tree service companies provide.
