Tree cover loss is an increasingly common phenomenon in many parts of the world. According to a recent study, human activities have removed almost one-third of the world’s tree cover in just the last few decades. This loss is having a negative impact on both our environment and our well-being. Here are five ways that tree cover loss impacts us including our homes, businesses and even our health.
Climate Change
Tree cover loss results in a higher rate of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen, and so when we lose them, the opposite happens. This can affect the climate, resulting in higher global temperatures and more extreme weather, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. As temperatures rise, sea levels also rise, which can lead to increased flooding in coastal cities, such as Miami and New York, and other areas at risk for flooding.
Water Supply
Trees are an important part of our water supply, as they help to filter and store water. In areas where there is a high rate of tree cover loss, there is also a high rate of water loss. When we lose trees, we lose this ability to filter and store water, which can result in worsening water shortages and droughts.
Air Quality
Air quality can be impacted by tree cover loss in a couple of ways. First, less carbon dioxide being absorbed by trees means more of it is being released into the atmosphere. In addition, when you trim a tree, you release more of the harmful gases that it had been taking in, like formaldehyde and benzene, which have been linked to health issues like asthma, cancer and stroke.
Wildlife Habitat Loss
When we lose tree cover, natural wildlife habitats are lost, which can negatively impact many types of wildlife species. Certain forests, such as tropical rainforests, are critical for the survival of many species. In temperate regions, the loss of trees can result in less shelter for migratory birds and other animals, making it important for us to concentrate on protecting habitats.
Mental Health And Wellbeing
Many people are aware of the link between mental health and nature, but fewer know about the negative impact of a loss of tree cover. Research has shown that many people who work in indoor, urban environments suffer from poor mental health, such as stress and anxiety. In comparison, when people are in natural environments, such as forests, their mental health improves.
How We Can Help Stop Tree Cover Loss
One of the best ways to help stop the loss of tree cover is to plant trees and increase the amount of tree cover in our communities. You can do this by planting trees in your yard and even along the sidewalk near your home as well as in your neighborhood. You can also help to combat tree cover loss by being mindful of your impact on the environment. When using energy, such as for driving or using electricity, be mindful of impacts on the environment, including the impact on the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. If you are concerned about the loss of tree cover in your neighborhood, you can contact your city council member. We can also help protect trees in our communities by being mindful of their impact, including driving carefully around trees, not damaging them with lawnmowers and taking care of them in other ways.
Conclusion
Tree cover loss has had a negative impact on our environment and our well-being. It has led to worsening climate change, reduced water availability, poorer air quality and habitat loss for wildlife. It can also negatively impact our mental health and wellbeing. It is important to be mindful of our impact on the environment, including the impact on the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, and to plant trees in our communities to help reduce the amount of tree cover loss.
