6 Ways to Plant Trees to Fight Climate Change

Step 1. Trees absorb carbon dioxide in the air

When a tree goes through the photosynthesis stage, it absorbs carbon dioxide and converts it into energy to thrive and produce more leaves. The carbon dioxide will then be stored in tree trunks before being processed into oxygen. Since carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases that makes the planet warmer, trees play an important role in climate control.

Trees need carbon throughout their life. Since most trees can live to be 50 to 100 years old, this can be a good long-term solution

Question 2 of 6: What types of trees are good for fighting climate change?

Step 1. Broadleaf deciduous trees are capable of absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide

Deciduous trees shed their leaves every year, but these types of trees can absorb a lot of carbon dioxide as they grow. Due to the large size of the leaves, this tree is able to absorb more sunlight and carbon dioxide to be converted into energy. Trees with a faster growth rate, such as maple, oak, and catalpa trees, are good choices because they absorb carbon dioxide more quickly than trees that take a long time to grow.

• Look for trees that are endemic to your area as they usually thrive in their natural environment. Visit the nearest plant conservation center for recommendations.
• Plant a variety of trees instead of just one species. In this way, you are helping to support biodiversity and preventing the spread of pests or diseases to the tree species you are planting.

Step 2. Coniferous pine trees absorb small amounts of carbon dioxide, but can do so all year round

The shape of the small and pointed leaves of the pine makes this tree unable to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide. However, pine trees are still effective against climate change because their leaves never fall, even in winter. Some of the coniferous trees you can plant are blue spruce, white pine, Hispaniola, and Ponderosa.

Plant trees around September to November when they are dormant. This will help promote the growth of large, healthy roots

Question 3 of 6: How many trees should I plant to cover my carbon footprint?

Step 1. It takes about 1,025 trees to absorb emissions from 1 person

On average, you produce about 16 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. Since large trees can absorb about 14 kilograms of carbon dioxide each year, you need enough trees to cover your own emissions. Even if 1,025 trees sounds like a lot, planting 8 to 9 trees regularly every month for 10 years can help you reach that number.

• Planting trees sometimes costs a lot and takes up a lot of space. If you don't have the land or the budget to do so, donate to nonprofits and environmental movements that can plant trees on your behalf.
• Do your best to reduce your own carbon footprint at home, for example by turning off and unplugging the power cords of unused electronic devices, cycling or using public transportation, and limiting the use of single-use products.

Question 4 of 6: How many trees should be planted to stop climate change?

Step 1. Half a billion trees can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 25%

This figure is almost equivalent to half the amount of carbon emissions produced by the earth since 1960. Even though the number is very large, it is not impossible to achieve it because there are many areas on earth for reforestation and reforestation. If we all try to plant some trees, we can reduce the number of trees needed while making the planet safer and healthier.

There is much debate among scientists about the effect of planting trees to save the environment. Many experts argue that trees are ineffective at absorbing carbon while immature and climatic conditions will continue to change during their growth period

Question 5 of 6: How to save trees?

Step 1. Limit the amount of paper you use

Trees are cut down to make new paper. So, try to limit the effective use of paper. Buy recycled paper and make sure you use both sides of the paper for writing before throwing it away. Instead of using new paper, use scrap paper for taking notes, sketching, or making crafts.

• If you're packing your lunch in parchment paper, consider buying a reusable lunch box.
• If you enjoy reading, shop at a used bookstore or borrow a book from a nearby library instead of buying it. You can also donate an old book that you haven't read.

Step 2. Recycle paper and cardboard to reduce tree felling

Recycling practices reduce production emissions and prevent deforestation to make new products. Instead of throwing paper products in the trash, separate the paper into different containers to take to a recycling center.

If you put paper in the trash, it will be taken to the landfill and can contribute to the emission of methane, a greenhouse gas that is 21 times worse than carbon dioxide

Step 3. Put out the fire completely before leaving a place

Forest fires damage many trees and release harmful substances into the atmosphere. If you are starting a fire outdoors, extinguish the fire and its embers to prevent a fire risk. Similarly, throw cigarettes in a closed container instead of throwing them on the ground.

• If you find a fire, contact the appropriate authorities immediately so that it can be extinguished.
• Check environmental conditions before starting a fire. If there are dry plants or a risk of fire, do not do so as fire can spread.

Question 6 of 6: Can planting trees stop global warming?

Step 1. Planting trees alone will not stop global warming

Even if trees can slightly reduce emissions in the air, humans still produce more carbon than they can absorb. Keep an eye on your carbon footprint and work to reduce it. If everyone is willing to reduce their personal carbon emissions and plant trees, we have a greater chance of saving the planet from climate change.