Importance of Trees for Life on Earth

Why do we need trees?

We cannot sustain life on Earth without the presence of trees. Trees are valuable in a countless number of ways.

Let’s look at some of the critical benefits of trees:

• Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release the oxygen we breathe through photosynthesis.
• Trees are a source of food for animals and humans. 
• Trees provide habitats for several species of animals and birds. 
• Trees provide natural cooling by reducing temperatures in urban areas.
• Trees provide timber for building houses and furniture. 
• Trees purify the air and water by filtering pollutants.

What would happen if our forests disappeared?

Ten thousand years ago, forests covered nearly 57% of Earth’s land surface, while today they cover only 31%. Our forests are rapidly disappearing, and here are the negative impacts: 

• Climate Change: Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide. Without trees, the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases, causing global warming.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Several species can become extinct, disrupting food chains.
• Soil Erosion: Tree roots hold soil in place. Without trees, there is an increase in soil erosion, which impacts agricultural production. 
• Disruption of Water Cycles: Trees absorb water from the soil and release it through their leaves to regulate the water cycle. Without trees, changes in rainfall patterns and flooding would occur.

Fun Facts 

Here are some interesting facts about trees:

• Some trees can live for thousands of years. You can find the age of a tree by counting the number of rings on a cross-section of the wood.
• The Rainbow Eucalyptus has a multicolored bark, which peels away in strips, showing bright green, blue, purple, orange, and maroon colors.
• The Monkey Puzzle Tree has branches in a spiral arrangement that are tricky for monkeys to climb.
• Bamboo grows super fast at the rate of about three feet in one day.

Review

Let’s quickly recap what we learned about the importance of trees.

• Which gas is released by trees and consumed by humans? Oxygen

• How do trees purify the air and water? Filter pollutants
• What is the climate-related impact on Earth without trees to absorb carbon dioxide? Global warming
• What is the significant impact on humans without trees to prevent soil erosion? Agricultural production