This is because tropical forests soak up about 26 tons of CO 2 per hectare per year as they grow back. Even better — they do so for 20 years — and usually considerably longer. Often overlooked in the discussion about climate change, trees are the best way back to a resilient and healthy planet for people and wildlife. Our portfolio of projects targets three issue facing our planet — climate change, mass species extinctions, and environmental degradation.
As a result, supporting our work has a triple bottom line, helping to rebuild a planet pushed to extremes. Take the first step to erase your carbon footprint. Saving Nature, Inc. As a non-profit c 3 organization, donations to the Saving Nature are tax-exempt and qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. Saving Nature complies with all c 3 rules and regulations. You also have the option to calculate and offset your total carbon footprint.
Give a cool gift this year! We will send you a certificate to present to your special someone. The first for your loved one. The second for the planet. Carbon Footprint Calculator. Trees absorb the water from the soil through their roots. Carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged with the air through the stomata in the leaf. The resulting glucose is transformed into other compounds, such as cellulose and starch.
The following figure provides an overview of photosynthesis:. Trees offer the highest net oxygen production compared to other vegetation, because they transform a large part of the CO2 into wood and roots. CO2 fixation is therefore much higher in forests than in pastures or fields, which means they can offset part of the CO2 emissions.
The CO2 balance of trees heavily depends on the type of tree, the location, the seasons and the periods with the same climate or weather. Many scientific studies have been carried out in order to determine CO2 offsets. It will take decades for the trees that we plant today to remove significant quantities of carbon from the atmosphere.
This does not mean that we should not be planting more trees. On the contrary, it is a vital tool in the fight against climate change. CO2 can remain in the atmosphere for up to 1, years.
However, it is extremely important that we also concentrate on protecting and enhancing our existing forests. Forests, land and other natural ecosystems can get us at least a quarter of the way to limiting global warming to 1. But, for this to happen, we must stop deforestation and manage them well. As mentioned, older and, therefore, larger trees tend to absorb more carbon than their younger counterparts.
On the other hand, young forests sequester more carbon per year than old-growth forests. Whilst this may seem contradictory, it makes sense when considering the number of trees in old-growth forest. This type of forest may have older and bigger carbon-absorbing trees, but it has fewer of them. Younger trees can grow much closer together. They may absorb less carbon, however, they do so more quickly than mature trees.
As such, when considering individual trees, older and larger trees offset the most carbon. But, forests of young trees actually absorb more carbon than old-growth woodland.
When looking at which tree species absorb the most carbon, there are several factors to consider. For instance, how quickly does a species grow? Fast-growing trees store the most carbon in their first few decades. This may be useful for immediate carbon offsetting. Alternatively, long-lived trees can store carbon for centuries. As such, the climate change benefit is maximised over a longer period. A broader span and wider leaves will result in maximum photosynthesis.
In addition, it is very important to plant indigenous tree species. They will thrive in their native soil and subsequently absorb more carbon. They will also support more local wildlife. Meanwhile, a non-native horse chestnut can support just four. An accurate carbon offset tree planting calculator will bear these factors in mind.
It should recommend which species of tree to plant, based on how much CO2 it will absorb. Many pine species sequester large quantities of carbon, particularly the tallest varieties. For example, Ponderosa pines can grow to be 61 metres tall.
With regards to deciduous trees, oak is the genus with the most carbon-absorbing species. Their large canopies accelerate photosynthesis.
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