Protecting and preserving Earth’s natural forests is a pivotal step in ensuring a healthy environment.  Check out some of these cool tree facts explaining how trees affect the forest, air and climate.  Tweet your tree facts at “@westchestertree” and join the conversation!

How Trees Affect Air Quality

We produce carbon dioxide simply by breathing; one mature tree absorbs carbon dioxide at a rate of 48 pounds per year!  It takes two mature trees to provide enough oxygen for one person to breathe for a full year.  What’s even more amazing, is that in one year, an acre of forest can absorb twice the C02 emissions which are produced by the average car’s annual mileage.

How Trees Affect Climate

Earth has experienced a major shift in temperature since 1880, and most warming has occurred in the past 35 years.  Global temperature rise, warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets and declining Arctic sea ice are just a few repercussions of global warming.  Deforestation is a major variable in global warming; 15 percent of global emissions of heat-trapping gasses are attributed to deforestation.

How do trees help the climate?  In just one day, a single tree can absorb up to 100 gallons of water, which cools the surrounding area when released into the air.

Forest Facts

Forests house a variety of insects, plants and animals which are vital in maintaining a well-rounded food chain.  When a forest is uprooted or destroyed by manmade or natural causes, these insects, plants and animals are left without homes and food.  Deforestation and the decline of forest inhabitants results in a domino-effect of failing eco-systems.

 Did you know you are directly affected by the benefits of forests?  Forests are the largest forms of carbon storage (also known as sinks) in the United States.  They help to trap dust, ash, pollen and smoke, keeping pollutants out of our lungs!

For more facts on climate change, visit NASA’s Climate Change page here.  To learn more about the benefits of trees, visit American Forests’ forest fact page here.