The occurrence of global warming has brought about serious environmental
problems such as floods, rising sea levels, drought, the extinction of plant
and animal species, and the disappearance of coral reefs. Some people blame
these effects solely on deforestation. However, the destruction of trees is not
the only cause of global warming. Other contributing factors include the
excessive use of fossil fuels to operate vehicles and factories, methane
emissions from animals, and various agricultural and industrial activities.
These activities cause greenhouse gases to be trapped in the atmosphere instead
of escaping into space, resulting in the heating of the Earth’s surface.
To address these problems, we need to regulate activities that harm the
Earth’s ability to sustain life, and we must also develop practical solutions.
In this article, the discussion is limited to tree planting. Plants and trees
are essential to human existence, yet over the past centuries, humans have
destroyed vast forest areas, contributing significantly to climate change.
Restoring the world’s lost rainforests to their original state is difficult
because of logging, urbanization, industrial and agricultural development, and
the construction of government infrastructure projects. However, we can
compensate for some of this loss through reforestation or tree planting. By
doing so, we can help mitigate the harmful effects of global warming. The
long-term benefits of tree planting include the following:
Trees absorb waste gases and provide fresh air. To sustain life, trees
and plants undergo a process called photosynthesis, in which they use sunlight,
water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose as food. During this process,
plants release oxygen as a waste product—the air that humans and animals
breathe. Without photosynthesis, life on Earth would not exist. Through this
process, trees help maintain the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the
atmosphere. An excess or deficiency of either gas is harmful. Fewer trees
result in higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which contributes
to global warming.
Trees also help provide clean water. Their roots act as natural water
filtration systems by absorbing rainwater and trapping pollutants such as
nitrogen and phosphorus. Beneficial microorganisms around the roots break down
harmful substances, helping produce clean groundwater. In addition, tree roots
hold soil in place, preventing soil erosion. This reduces the amount of
sediment and pollutants that flow into rivers and streams. Trees planted along
riverbanks help keep water sources clear and clean.
Trees help regulate temperature and create a more pleasant environment.
They provide shade during hot days, and their leaves block sunlight, reducing
the amount of heat that reaches the ground. Shaded areas with trees can be 2 to
8 degrees cooler than areas without them. Leaves also release water vapor,
which absorbs heat from the air. As a result, the surrounding temperature
becomes cooler, more comfortable, and more livable.
Trees beautify the environment and improve human well-being. Garbage in
backyards and landfills is an eyesore, while plants and trees with green leaves
and colorful flowers are visually pleasing. Green surroundings reduce glare
from sunlight and are often associated with life and vitality. The presence of
trees, along with birds and insects that depend on them, adds beauty and
liveliness to our daily surroundings.
Trees help prevent floods and soil erosion. During rainfall, leaves
intercept some raindrops, reducing the amount of water that directly hits the
ground. This lessens soil erosion. Tree roots also absorb water from the soil,
decreasing surface runoff and the risk of flooding. By holding soil together,
roots help prevent landslides. Areas without trees are more prone to erosion,
which causes sediments to accumulate in waterways and leads to flooding during
heavy rains.
Trees enrich ecosystems and promote biodiversity. They provide habitats
for birds, insects, and animals that depend on their leaves, flowers, and
fruits. Underground, tree roots support earthworms, fungi, microbes, and other
microorganisms. Plants, animals, and humans depend on one another and on their
non-living environment to survive. This interaction between living and
non-living components forms ecosystems in forests, parks, and even urban areas.
If the Earth were to lose all its forest cover, many plant and animal species
would become extinct.
We already know the many benefits trees provide. The right time to plant
them is now. Trees can be planted in backyards, along city streets, or in
wildlife conservation areas. Large-scale tree planting requires coordinated
efforts among private sectors, non-government organizations, government
agencies, and civic groups. Trees are essential for human survival and for the
protection of our planet.
