by Emily Cathcart

Created on: November 25, 2007

The majority of climatologists have concluded that human activity is responsible for most of the global warming that has occurred since the late 1800's. The main contributing activities are the burning of fossil fuels and the clearing of land (http://www.nasa.gov/worldbook/global_warming_worldb ook.html). People who still maintain that the data is insufficient are not staying current with the issue. Most of the world has moved past that discussion and is attempting to agree upon solutions.

Let's focus on the role of trees. Trees, like all photosynthetic organisms, take carbon dioxide from the environment in order to produce chemical energy in the form of glucose. Carbon dioxide, as we know, is the greenhouse gas that is occurring in the atmosphere at burgeoning levels due to human activity. "Carbon sequestration" is the term given to a tree's ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide and not all tree species are the same in this respect. Two kinds of species are best. Fast growing species and long living species. Fast growing species are more quickly beneficial. Long living species take up more carbon dioxide over their life time. The other consideration, when deciding what trees to plant would be your locale. Obviously, you should choose species that do well in your area. Common Horse Chestnut, Black Walnut, American Sweetgum, Ponderosa Pine, Red Pine, White Pine, London Pine, Hispaniolan Pine, Douglas Fir, Scarlet Oak, Virginia Live Oak and Bald Cypress are species that were found to be especially good at absorbing carbon dioxide in research by the U.S. Forest Service.

Your trees could lessen your carbon footprint by reducing your personal energy needs. Deciduous trees can be planted for shade on the south and west side of your house. Also shade your air conditioning unit. Another strategy is to plant shade trees over pavement and patios which tend to capture and re-emit heat. Use pines as a year round wind break. All trees will cool their surrounding area through evapotranspiration. Do not shade a window that receives the low angle sun in winter to maximize winter solar heating. Thoughtful placement of trees about your home will both increase the uptake of carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and lower the carbon dioxide emissions by reducing your energy use.

That's a win-win, wouldn't you say?

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