Not exactly a big surprise to those in the know ... but yes, trees can play an important role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, one of the major culprits in global warming.
The University of California San Diego reports that its 200 thousand trees are reducing CO2 emissions by 10 thousand tons a year, five percent of the university's total annual CO2 output. A forest study conducted by Urban Ecos in San Francisco says UC - SD is saving more than $ 2 million a year because of its trees (a 112-acre eucalyptus grove is shown above).
The forest study is the latest part of the university's effort to promote sustainable practices and research on climate change. UC San Diego was named a "Tree Campus USA" last year by the Arbor Day Foundation, and the university accepted the honor by planting 100 more trees, including sugar gums, magnolias, and Torrey pines. It was just one of nine schools around the country cited for healthy urban forest management.
The university's campus forester Samuel Oludunfe said that trees not only provide spatial definition, but also "enhance the quality of life by removing air pollutants, reducing energy consumption, facilitating erosion control ... and increasing property values." He also said the university's urban forest serves an important educational role as a living laboratory.
In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the forest study said the trees also trap and filter 140 million gallons of storm water runoff every year; they support a diverse ecosystem home to more than 100 species of birds, small mammals and plants -- and they serve as a winter site for the monarch butterfly.
Other large universities could take a cue from UC - San Diego.
And PS ... Today is Arbor Day -- so buy a tree and plant it!
Trees can help moderate our domestic weather. A properly sited windbreak can protect our house, and heating bill, from winds that drain heat from our house, and properly placed shade trees can cool our houses in summer. If air conditioning is still a necessity, tht bill will be lower as well.
Posted by: commonweeder | April 28, 2009 at 09:34 AM