Tree Day

tree Day

Trees are the oldest inhabitants of the earth. They are responsible for releasing oxygen and converting carbon dioxide (CO2), thus reducing the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere. The Tree Day reminds us of the importance of protecting forest areas to ensure the continued existence of life on our planet.

Therefore, we are going to dedicate this article to tell you everything you need to know about Arbor Day and its importance.

Why is there Arbor Day?

forests

We must distinguish Arbor Day (June 28) from the International Day of Forests on March 21. Another date is closely related to emphasizing the value of trees and forests, with the aim of making humans aware of the need to protect forest areas to ensure the survival of species.

Trees have multiple functions that participate in natural cycles. From generating oxygen to becoming our best ally in responding to the climate crisis. It is the trees that are the basis for the survival of the creatures that live on earth. They are the perfect natural environment, where thousands of species of animals and plants live.

In addition, trees help us regulate the hydrological cycle, thus reducing the risk of floods, and are a source of raw materials for the production of medicines and other natural resources. However, human activities have destroyed approximately 78% of the earth's virgin forests and the remaining 22% have been affected by logging. The environmental degradation of these environments not only directly affects our environment and releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, but it also affects our biodiversity, and even endangers thousands of species.

This situation led to the launch of the United Nations Decade for Ecosystem Restoration in 2021, which calls for joint action within the next decade to prevent irreversible natural degradation.

If there is an Arbor Day, is a statement that it is necessary to stop this situation, and we can work together to ensure the protection of the environment. Sweden is the first country to celebrate this holiday. He did it in 1840 to raise awareness about the important role that trees have in mitigating environmental pollution, protecting the soil and achieving sustainable development.

How much carbon dioxide can a forest absorb

protect trees

To know how much carbon dioxide the forest absorbs, we must first analyze which trees they are composed of. A recent survey carried out by a researcher at the University of Seville highlighted that the Aleppo pine is one of the trees that absorbs the most carbon dioxide. It is estimated that mature Aleppo pine can absorb up to 50 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

In other words, a mature specimen of this species can absorb the emissions produced by 30 medium-sized vehicles that travel 10.000 kilometers per year. The Iberian Peninsula is an ideal place for the growth of these trees, so the pine forest has an enormous potential for natural carbon sinks.

Due to its rich biodiversity, a large number of CO2 sinks are virgin forests. A forest of intact, primitive and native species, in which there is no obvious evidence of human activities, and the ecological process has not changed significantly. These virgin forests and the sources of climate regulation have been reduced due to human intervention.

Arbor Day to honor allies against climate change

tree day importance

The last seven great primary forests of the planet are the following:

  • The Amazon rainforest
  • The jungle of Southeast Asia
  • The rainforests of central Africa
  • The temperate forests of South America
  • Primary forests of North America and Canada
  • The last European primary forests
  • The forests of the Siberian taiga

Like the ocean, protecting forests means protecting the most powerful way to absorb and store carbon dioxide. His ability is extraordinary. It is estimated that a tree stores an average of 22 kg of carbon dioxide per year. The rainforest retains 250 billion tons of carbon dioxide in trees alone, which is equivalent to 90 years of global emissions. European forests isolate around 10% of the total greenhouse gas emissions of the European Union. In Spain, forests fix a ton of carbon per hectare per year.

However, several studies now show that if we don't change our other more environmentally friendly behaviors, this natural ability of trees can be slowed down. You can go from being our ally in the face of the climate crisis to one of our enemies. For this reason, it is necessary to find sustainable solutions that help us balance forest restoration, curb deforestation and end illegal logging.

Reasons for planting trees

Trees play an important role in protecting the environment:

  • They release oxygen and convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into biomass, thus reducing the greenhouse effect.
  • They are regulators of the hydrological cycle and help prevent floods.
  • They prevent soil erosion and favor the development of agriculture.
  • They constitute the habitat of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
  • In jungle areas, they contribute to the formation of a humid environment.
  • They help regulate the climate and reduce the impact of climate change, which is mainly caused by humans.
  • They are the source of raw materials for the manufacture of medicines, food, paper, fuels (wood and coal), fibers and other natural materials (such as cork, resin and rubber).

Some curiosities of the trees are the following:

  • According to a recent study (published by the Journal of Sustainable Forestry), there are 60,065 species of trees on our planet.
  • Depending on the species, lTrees will be fully developed when they reach 40 or 50 years of age.
  • In cold regions or regions, they raise rodents and birds.
  • Around the world, around 78% of virgin forests have been destroyed by humans and the remaining 22% have been affected by logging.
  • 12% of the world's forests are designated to protect biodiversity.
  • It is estimated that the forest constitutes an important carbon reserve, accumulating approximately 289 gigatons of this element.
  • Except for Antarctica and Greenland, they occupy a large area of ​​land, accounting for 28,5% of the earth.
  • Half of the world's forests are in tropical regions and the rest in temperate and boreal regions.

I hope that with this information you can learn more about Arbor Day and its importance.


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