The effects of global warming—rising sea levels, extreme weather events and changes to ecosystems—are now more visible than ever before. But recent studies have shown that plants and trees may also help to reduce and mitigate the effects of climate change. This knowledge offers an opportunity to slow down the progress of global warming and protect the environment.
A growing body of research has concluded that, in addition to absorbing carbon dioxide, plants play an important role in mitigating climate change by increasing the amount of water they evaporate, which in turn deposits carbon dioxide, and reducing concentrations of other heat-trapping gases such as methane and nitrous oxide. For example, a study published by the journal Nature concluded that, when efficient irrigation techniques are implemented, crops and forests can actually cool the environment by 3 degrees Celsius.
One of the most promising ways to use plants to mitigate climate change is through reforestation and afforestation. Planting trees has been demonstrated to reduce global air temperatures, promote sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere and, in a process known as “evapotranspiration”, release more water vapor in the atmosphere thereby cooling the environment. Another major benefit of planting more trees is that it increases the biodiversity of ecosystems. For example, in a recent study, the researchers concluded that increased tree cover in almost 1,000 agricultural areas in North America had positive effects on the birds and other wildlife species inhabiting those areas.
Furthermore, plants and trees can help lessen the effects of global warming in urban areas as well. Green roofs and walls are becoming more common in urban landscape designs, with many cities across the world now installing vegetation on building surfaces as a way to reduce the amount of heat trapped in urban centers. In addition, green infrastructure such as rain gardens and wetland restoration can help manage stormwater, reduce the risk of flooding in cities and provide habitats for local wildlife.
Despite the potential benefits of using plants to combat global warming, some researchers have raised concerns about the possible negative implications of over-emphasizing the role of vegetation in climate change mitigation. For instance, planting monocultures can reduce biodiversity and also result in the loss of topsoil which is an important carbon sink. Furthermore, substantial funding may be required to implement and maintain such initiatives.
Overall, plants have much to offer in the fight against climate change, but more research is needed to better understand the complexities of the interactions between plants, land use and climate. Until then, governments must be cautious to weigh the possible positive and negative outcomes of any given approach, while investing in research and education in order to ensure better decisions are being made. With the right strategies, we can ensure plants stand to be powerful allies in the fight against global warming.
