How forests help to fight climate change
With only a decade left to fix our broken planet, forests could hold all the answers.
Scientists and climate change experts have all agreed on one thing - we only have around a decade left to dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions if we have any chance of avoiding a complete climate collapse. This might sound incredibly dramatic, but it really is the reality. So, with the situation becoming evermore threatening, it's time to turn to something that we've had all along - forests.
It has already been confirmed that saving and restoring forests (especially tropical ones) are essential to derailing the absolute worst effects of global warming. But why is restoring and saving the forests so important when it comes to climate change? How do they really help to reverse the effects of a warming planet? Could they be the greatest answer to the climate problem? Let's dive right in.
Forests and their carbon-absorbing powers
You likely learnt this as a child - but plants and trees absorb CO2 and convert it into oxygen. This is what makes them such superheroes in the fight against climate change. They are the greatest carbon captures, and it's completely natural - free, efficient, and completely self-sustaining. What could be better?
The negative side to this is that deforestation, something happening at an alarming rate, obviously has the opposite effect compared to restoring forests. In fact, when deforestation occurs, not only is the carbon-storage potential completely gone, but the carbon that was once stored in the tree is then released into the atmosphere. For this reason, it seems completely logical to keep existing forests safe, as well as planting more trees. It's one of the best ways to fight against climate change.
Why are tropical rainforests better?
Every forest is a good forest, but tropical rainforests are slightly superior in terms of fighting global warming. They trap larger amounts of carbon dioxide and evaporate much more water - two things that are essential to helping a warming planet.
The water that they evaporate produces those beautiful clouds that reflect the sunlight back to space, helping to keep some of the heat off our icecaps.
Destroying tropical rainforests is much more cataclysmic to the planet than deforestation in higher latitudes. This is the exact reason why so many climate activists focus on saving the forests in the tropics. Sustainable farming methods and responsible forest management are also essential in staving off a climate collapse.
Tropical rainforests have a unique ability to create rain - something that (while you may find it annoying) is so important for planet Earth. Obviously, not only does it provide us with the necessary water, but it also creates clouds. These clouds actually help to trigger circulation in the atmosphere. It is this circulation that brings in more moisture from the ocean, preventing droughts and playing a big role in the fight against climate change.
This is why you will always hear talks of protecting the Amazon rainforest - Earth's largest rainforest.
Reforestation has the potential to prevent a climate breakdown
Movements to stop deforestation are only half of the fight, restoring and expanding forests is the other half of the battle. It's absolutely essential that we not only stop more forests from being destroyed but also restore the ones that have been destroyed during decades of overconsumption and destruction.
Forests are so important to us at Together for Climate, which is why we offer forest protection for individuals and businesses.
Forests are indispensable allies in the fight against climate change. They sequester carbon, regulate the water cycle, support biodiversity, alleviate air pollution, and offer sustainable solutions to our resource needs. As we face the urgent need to address climate change, it is crucial that we prioritise forest conservation and restoration efforts.