Think Trees, Trees, Trees!

Red Mangrove Tree, SW Florida

There's a very strong tendency to get discouraged about climate change and global warming.  I will be posting more blogs on microplastics and their effects on all of us.  But today, let's think positively.

50% of all CO2 produced on the earth by refining and manufacturing and automobiles and trucks, etc. is absorbed by the oceans and the forests (the trees of the earth).  25% is absorbed by the ocean and 25% is absorbed by trees.  Currently, approximately 10 billion acres of the earth is covered with trees, down from 12 billion a hundred years ago.  

Why are trees so important?  

Trees are the lungs of the earth

We learned about photosynthesis in High School.   By taking in the CO2 from the air around us, trees produce the oxygen we breathe.

According to saveatree.com: "Both above and below ground, trees are essential to the eco-systems in which they reside. Far reaching roots hold soil in place and fight erosion. Trees absorb and store rainwater which reduce runoff and sediment deposit after storms. This helps the ground water supply recharge, prevents the transport of chemicals into streams and prevents flooding. Fallen leaves make excellent compost that enriches soil."

So, what can we do? 

What a great birthday present: plant a tree.  A tree absorbs about 50 pounds of CO2 per year.  (One human being produces about 4000 pounds of CO2 per year, so it takes about 80 trees per year to offset the CO2 production of one human.  But we need to start somewhere.

So, go bigger: support The Arbor Day Foundation.  Their goal is to plant 20 million trees.  Check it out at arborday.org.

There is something we all can do and every little bit helps: Plant a tree!