More Trees Needed
Tuesday, May 8, 2007; Page A24
The dramatic increase in carbon dioxide in our region's air is certainly alarming ["Local Warming; A carbon dioxide wake-up call for the Washington region," editorial, May 2]. All of the solutions mentioned are important, but the list did not include a critical one -- planting trees.
We can't solve global warming with trees, of course, but along with energy conservation, improved efficiency and alternative energy sources, trees can play an important role.
Retaining mature trees in developments will guarantee that we don't lose the benefits of their environmental value -- such as sequestering carbon dioxide. Planting trees, especially where they shade and cool buildings, will help reduce energy consumption from heating and cooling, meaning less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to begin with.
New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has included the planting of 1 million new trees in his carbon plan. By our calculation of tree canopy, using geographic information system technology and satellite images, the Washington region has lost 64 percent of its dense tree cover since 1973. Restoring it will mean a greener and cleaner place to live, work, play and breathe.
DEBORAH GANGLOFF
Executive Director
American Forests
Washington
Post a Comment
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.