Have you ever wondered how our perspective on climate change would change if we focused not only on the sky above our heads but also on the earth beneath our feet? earth dayLet's explore the mitigating roles of plants, soil, and climate, which are often overshadowed when talking about greenhouse gases.
Human activities not only load carbon into the atmosphere through rising greenhouse gases and dramatically change land and oceans. We cut down trees, scrape away topsoil, erode land, and choke wetlands and rivers with sediment. This disruption causes water to rush into the sea, washing away homes and changing the landscape. In addition, freshwater warmed by the land spills into the salty ocean, giving it more energy. This increased the hurricane's intensity tremendously. Hurricanes passing through the open ocean have been observed to strengthen from Category 4 to Category 5 in just 24 hours, increasing their destructive power by a factor of four.
The increase in greenhouse gases retains more heat, tipping the planet's heat exchange balance by an additional 1% (3 watts per square meter). Just as a doctor uses a thermometer to measure a patient's temperature, we measure the extent of climate change in parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As we see global heat rising, we will limit the rise by promoting net-zero carbon emissions.
feel the grass between your toes
Additionally, scaling up efforts to improve the water cycle, water vapor, and cloud cover will have immediate benefits in restoring balance. To restore the planet's health, we must address the spots, rashes, and scars on land and the swelling caused by hot surface waters in the oceans.
This Earth Day, roll up your sleeves and start in your lawn or neighborhood. Natural grasses are champions of restoration because they excrete the highest percentage of carbohydrates. 50% of what is produced through photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide extracted from the air. Grasslands coevolved with ungulates that walk on their claws and break up tough plant fibers. If not stepped on, chewed on, or cut, plants left fallow on the ground will rot and emit carbon dioxide as gas.Mowing the lawn removes plant fibers. returned to the earth By cutting collembolans, swallowing insects, and digesting microorganisms, fungi, and bacteria.
However, applying fertilizer to established lawns disrupts this carbon nutrient cycle. It kills beneficial microorganisms and nematodes and destroys the living ecosystem we call soil.Without manufactured nutrients and chemicals; Roots can extend deep and open the soil for oxygen, water, and life. A supporting network of fungi and bacteria spreads beneath your lawn. Bacteria prepare the nutrients and enzymes required by plants. The fungal mycorrhizal „wood wide web“ connects plants and bacteria.
A natural lawn can build up an inch of soil per year. Sticky carbohydrates hold minerals far away. Four inches of soil can support seven inches of rain. Soils that contain more carbon grow deeper to protect homes from extreme weather events. We know that retaining water within our landscapes has the potential to reduce sea level rise by 25%. Deeper soil benefits everyone, and healthy plants emit more carbon dioxide, further reducing greenhouse gases.
look at the trees
Let's take a closer look at the role of forests in climate mitigation. Imagine a forest that is 80 years old. It's majestic. Now, you may be surprised to learn that this mature forest contains more than twice as much carbon and water as a forest that is half its age. When the heat of the day increases, these forest plants release water vapor, which evaporates and cools the surrounding air. Conversely, during the coldest hours before dawn, these same plants give off water vapor that condenses into morning dew, giving off heat at the same time.
Our old-growth forests are also a source of large amounts of airborne bacteria and fungi. This organic matter acts as a nucleation site for water vapor that forms cumulus clouds. These fluffy white clouds play an important role in cooling the Earth by reflecting the sun's energy back into space.
However, we found that the balance has shifted and deforestation has reduced the amount of cumulus clouds. Currently less than 50% of the Earth is covered by these cold clouds. But the story doesn't end with plants and forests. The water vapor released by plants also plays a role in moderating the climate. When this vapor condenses into mist, an exothermic reaction occurs and the atmospheric pressure drops. These water droplets act as biological pumps, pulling in moist air from elsewhere. As this water moves away from the ocean, its energy decreases. It's a simple equation. Where forests exist, energy is drawn from the ocean, reducing its ferocity.
become part of the web of life
Our ecosystems are intricately interconnected, both on land and in the ocean, cycling carbon, nitrogen and water. Small changes can have a big impact. For example, reducing the use of poisons in gardens slows the decline of phytoplankton in the ocean, providing more food for migrating whales.
The difference between current carbon dioxide levels (420 ppm) and more optimal levels (350 ppm) is equivalent to 100 billion tons. Removing this much carbon may sound like a monumental task. However, there are 2,800 billion tons of carbon in the world's soils and 564 billion tons of carbon in the world's plants and animals. Just a 4% increase in vegetation and healthy water-holding soil is enough to offset this difference and restore balance.
So as we celebrate Earth Day, let's remember the important role our forests, plants and soils play in climate mitigation. By stopping deforestation and promoting the growth of vegetation and healthy soil, we can restore the health of our planet.This Earth Day, let's rethink traditional perspectives on climate change and expand our narrative to see the big picture for our planet.
About the author
Dr. Rob Moir is a nationally recognized and award-winning environmental activist. He is president and executive director of Ocean His River Institute, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This nonprofit organization supports the efforts of environmental organizations by providing expertise, services, resources, and information not available at the local level.Please come www.oceanriver.org For more information.