Climate change is a topic we have been debating about for years. The people who believe in its existence have started to change something in their lifestyle so as not to aggravate the situation. They have subscribed to renewable energy sources, sustainable homes, and the like.
However, some ideas are either too simple or too sensitive to discuss. Consequently, we keep doing them not knowing that they are worsening the global warming scenario. Here are some of them:
Forgetting about trees
Our science teachers told us that trees help protect our environment in many ways. For one, it prevents flood from occurring. The roots of the trees are also strong enough to hold the soil they’re attached to; therefore, preventing a landslide.
Another benefit the trees give us is their ability to store carbon. They do this by absorbing the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it and using it to produce their food. The process is called photosynthesis, which produces oxygen that we inhale. Too much carbon in the atmosphere causes climate change. If we have more trees, there are more “carbon capturers”, which means there will be less carbon dioxide and more oxygen around us. Greenhouse gases would be lessened and this will help counter global warming.
Unfortunately, there are activities that neglect our trees. Some engage in deforestation while others ignore the needs of the trees. Trees, like other living things, can suffer from diseases and damage due to natural and manmade causes. Calling professional tree surgeons in Guildford or other places can help get rid of the trees’ illnesses.
Hunting whales
Another reason we have too much carbon in the atmosphere is whale hunting or whaling. According to a study published in 2010, whale hunting has a significant effect on the presence of the carbon cycle. The study analyzed baleen whales and their impact on the amount of carbon in the ocean. This study noted that if the blue whale population in the southern hemisphere is rebuilt, approximately 381 tons of carbon would be isolated. Comparing that number to a forest, that means we could preserve a temperate forest as big as Los Angeles City. If all whale populations would be restored, we could restore a forest as big as the Rocky Mountain National Park.
While whales are a small percentage of the ocean population, they have a significant impact on the overall ecosystem. For one, they live longer than the smaller fishes. This means they can get rid of carbon for a longer period. Another reason is that whales help retain iron surface waters. Iron is essential in feeding phytoplankton, and phytoplankton is also necessary for sequestering carbon.
Ignoring waste
Human waste has been used as fertilizer in China. This practice improves the fertility of this soil, the conservation of water, and the quality of the crops. However, changes in lifestyle contributed to the decrease in using human waste in agriculture. Molly Winter, a supporter of sustainable practices, shares her Idea about getting more people to support this agricultural practice in China.
She shares that if human waste is treated properly using the approach Integrated Water Management, we can have greener pastures and healthier food. This is because she believes our excrement contains nutrients that are helpful for the environment. Another reason is that our waste contains carbon and if this carbon is buried underneath in fines with other minerals and nutrients, it doesn’t need to go to the atmosphere and will not cause global warming or climate change.