Our Forests Are In Trouble

Our forests are in serious trouble, whether it's from the increase in storms, or wildfires, millions of acres of land are being destroyed. It is urgent that we act on this issue. Last year alone the United States lost millions of trees solely due to these forest fires. These areas that have been affected lack the capability of growing trees on their own. Senior Allison Brown stated that, “Climate change is a serious problem and needs to be addressed.”

Many organizations are fighting for this well needed to change, one in particular is the The National Arbor Day Foundation. This organization is launching the time for tree planting initiative. Their goal is to plant 100 million trees by 2022. 

Planting one trillion trees would be able to turn climate change completely around. Trees are vital to our environments. If you are looking for a reason to care, just think about the record-breaking heat waves we have all experienced this summer and will continue to experience. Trees can ultimately lower summer temperatures during the daytime by as much as 10 degrees fahrenheit. Senior, Lizzie Kennedy stated, “If we continue this way, cities will ultimately become unhealthy for their inhabitants.”

Tree recovery in US cities is also decreasing drastically. The US Forest Service discovered last year that we have been losing 36 million trees annually from both rural and urban communities over a five year period. Which is equivalent to a 1% drop from 2009 to 2014. Senior, Maya Salzman also said, “Cities will become increasingly warmer as well.” Climate change will not be solved overnight but if people continue to not participate in organizations that are fighting climate change, there will be no effect.