Why do trees help the climate ?

Trees help trap co2 in the atmosphere.

The rise in co2, certified by the Mauna Loa Observatory, is both a manifestation of global warming and a cause. Humans, as noted above, have changed to a small but inexorable degree the carbon cycle in the atmosphere, soil and water.

Every year thousands of tons of carbon are fixed by plants, and every year the oceans are enriched with carbon by turning it into inorganic compounds. In fact, natural systems absorb 4.9 billion tons of carbon each year corresponding to about 54% of the 2000-2007 emissions, of which soil absorbs 29% (2.6 Pg per year) and oceans 25% (2.3 Pg per year); measures in Peta grams Pg corresponding to 1015 grams. The rest (45%, as much as 4.1 Pg per year) remains in the atmosphere and is accumulating with the amounts from previous years. (Source: WWF)

Through the process of photosynthesis, the tree thus naturally removes CO2 from the atmosphere, where it accumulates due to many and varied processes, the most relevant of which is the transformation and consumption of energy (especially of fossil origin: oil) by humans.

Although its ability to absorb carbon may vary, it can be considered that a tree stores about 167 kg of CO2 per year, or 1 ton of CO2 per year for 6 mature trees. This means that more than 33 trees would have to be planted each year to offset the CO2 emissions of a single Italian.

Trees can help reduce soil erosion.

Relying on the buffer effect of plants and soil in combating rising carbon dioxide levels is not a great strategy. Not least because their role in absorbing carbon should be scaled back, especially as far as soil is concerned. that's the message that comes from a study recently published in Nature, which precisely scales back (in part) the role of soil as a carbon sink in combating rising carbon dioxide levels.

Soil defense A healthy forest, under conditions of heavy rainfall, is able to prevent surface water runoff and soil scouring. Tree roots retain soil, effectively preventing landslides, avalanches and soil erosion. It likewise mitigates conditions of excessive heat and drought during the summer season, and also prevents fire hazards. A destroyed or immature forest is more prone to fire and other natural disasters for that reason it should be facilitated.

Alongside the fundamental mitigation represented by decarbonization, other actions must be initiated, and in this area trees are invaluable allies. In particular, trees, through photosynthesis, absorb and store large amounts of CO 2 present in the atmosphere, helping us in the fight against climate change. But the services provided by these valuable allies of ours in the urban context are manifold and relate to the well-being and health of citizens and the quality of the environment.