How planting trees can help tackle climate change

We all know climate change is real, and it has been caused by human activity. The natural playgrounds we know and love are under threat, from mountains to oceans and everywhere else; the question is, what can we do about it?

We’ve been learning from organisations like Protect Our Winters how we can take action as individuals, or even push for bigger change from companies and financial institutions. After considering our options as a business, one way we have decided to make a difference is by supporting the planting of trees. We’re starting by planting two trees every time you refer a friend to SportPursuit!

Size of Wales is a climate change charity that focuses on tropical deforestation and restoration. They helped us plant 10,000 trees for our members over Christmas 2018. Tree planting is a really positive way to help tackle climate change (especially when combined with other actions):

  • Trees help tackle one of the key causes of climate change: excess carbon dioxide (CO2) has built up in the atmosphere, and continues to build alarmingly. Trees absorb CO2, storing the carbon, removing it from the atmosphere while releasing oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees can absorb as much CO2 as produced by driving a car 26,000 miles.

In addition, additional trees and forests can help mitigate some of the effects of climate change:

  • Where hilly deforested areas and rainy seasons collide landslides are always a high risk. Tree roots help secure and bind the soil reducing the risk of landslides that have been known to claim the lives of humans and livestock, as well as homes and community buildings like churches and schools.
  • Trees have been proven to improve air quality by filtering harmful dust and pollutants such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide from the air. A study by US-based The Nature Conservancy (TNC) reported than the average reduction of particulate matter near a tree was between 7% and 24%.
  • Canopy cover from trees creates protection from the sun with cooler areas in the shade, making extreme hot weather more bearable and reducing energy needs for alternative measures like air conditioning.
  • Reduces water runoff. This is where lots of falling or running water flows over the soil rather than being absorbed into the soil by roots. Where there is high water runoff, risk of flooding is increased. Less water runoff reduces erosion of, and pollution in waterways.
  • Many species of wildlife depend on trees for habitat. Trees provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals.

To learn more about the benefits of planting trees and about the projects Size of Wales supports, head to http://sizeofwales.org.uk.

How can we help?

In order to help protect the outdoor environments we cherish so much, we are committing to support reforestation projects worldwide. To get things started we’re planting two trees for every new member referred to join SportPursuit. That means you refer a friend, we plant two trees. Let’s grow together!

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7 Comments

  1. Martin Hughes says:

    Very interesting I’ve just joined my son sent me the attachment its great news anything that can help support the environment is a brilliant idea

  2. Catherine d'Agrain says:

    Good idea planting trees

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