Scientists have long attributed global warming in the 21st century to an increased greenhouse effect associated with anthropogenic sources. Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the advent of human industrial activities has led to the combustion of more fossil fuels for energy. As a result, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) has been rising exponentially. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that is capable of trapping radiation from the sun in the atmosphere. The increase in CO2 in the air due to human activities signifies more heat getting trapped, leading to higher surface temperatures. In March this year, another alarming milestone of humanity’s devastating impact on Mother Earth was achieved – atmospheric CO2 has reached 415 parts per million (ppm), the highest ever since the ancient dawn of humanity!
Green plants/green spaces are ideal ways to reduce CO2 emissions as they are carbon sinks and are able to absorb large amounts of CO2 through photosynthesis. As such, they have the capacity to take in and store CO2 emissions that are driving global warming, potentially mitigating higher temperatures.
Interestingly, a recent study suggests that planting 0.9 hectares of trees across the world is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to remove the abundance of atmospheric CO2. Scientists claimed that such a programme would serve to eliminate up to two-thirds of all emissions present in the atmosphere today! However, critics argue that the projection is exaggerated, and the solution may not be the most feasible considering the amount of land required. Whatever the case, it is prudent to note that 1) planting trees and preserving green spaces are crucial to reduce greenhouse effect but 2) they are not the only solutions in our fight against climate change. We, as stakeholder of this Earth need to take active steps to reduce our own carbon emissions as well.
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