Over the past few decades, we have all witnessed the extreme weather conditions. Extreme droughts, very hot summers, unusually heavy rainfall and flooding, strong winds and storms are more frequent than ever before. The press and portals tell us that the climate is changing, but are we really aware of what is happening?
Scientifically speaking, climate changes mean periodic changes in the Earth's climate that occur as a result of changes in the atmosphere and as a result of the interaction of the atmosphere with various other geological, chemical, biological and geographical factors within the Earth system. All of these factors are changing over time. Some, such as the temperatures and heat distribution in the oceans, the atmospheric chemistry and the vegetation growing on the Earth's surface, change over very short periods of time. Others, such as the placement of the continents and the position and height of mountain ranges, change over very long periods of time. Therefore, the climate, which is a result of the physical properties and movements in the atmosphere, varies for every conceivable period of time. However, as humans we also indirectly impact the climate through our actions, and this has been particularly evident recently.
Due to our high demand for energy and the use of fossil fuels, we emit large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which leads to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Over the last 8,000 years, in addition to recent greenhouse gas pollution, humans have deforested up to half of the planet's forests. Deforestation and burning of forests releases the carbon stored in the trees and soil and prevents them from absorbing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Because trees also release moisture that cools the air around them, scientists have found that deforestation in North America and Eurasia has increased the intensity of heat waves.
Is it too late to stop this spiral of climate deterioration and what can we do? There are three options: 1) afforestation, 2) reforestation and 3) natural restoration of forest ecosystems. Afforestation is the establishment of forests where there was no forest before, or not for a long time – 50 years or more. Reforestation is the process of planting trees in areas where forests have recently been cut down, while natural regeneration involves the responsible management of forests to ensure the recovery of the entire ecosystem. Natural forest restoration involves minimal undesirable effects and offers great potential for carbon storage in the coming decades. If natural forest restoration were implemented worldwide, up to 70 billion tons of carbon could be sequestered in plants and soils by 2050, roughly equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide we emit in seven years through the use of fossil fuels!
Forests are “generators” of clean air and guardians of natural watercourses. They provide opportunities for recreation, sustenance and other goods and ecosystem services. Forests also connect people with nature and play a vital role in the culture and survival of some indigenous peoples. They are an essential part of the natural carbon cycle and can help mitigate the effects of climate change around the world. Forests absorb carbon as they grow and act as a carbon storage “bank”, helping to offset fossil fuel emissions. Urban forests such as parks, gardens and nature reserves are important assets for cities. Tree planting can help mitigate climate impacts such as high temperatures, heat island effects, run-off water flow and flooding. So join the fight against climate change – plant a tree!
Prof. Ivančica Ternjej
