They add colour to the countryside, cool down city streets in the summer and tackle air pollution. Trees and green spaces are a priceless asset in various respects and, to celebrate how important they are, in 2013 the Italian Ministry of the Environment established National Tree Day (Giornata Nazionale degli Alberi), which is celebrated on 21 November.
Many initiatives have been organised to mark this event, with the aim of making people more environmentally conscious and raising awareness about the value of green spaces, which are increasingly threatened both by climate change and human behaviour.
Protecting plants and trees and planting new ones means caring about the well-being of the planet and the people who live here. In fact, while these giants may seem motionless, they are secretly working away and play many key roles for the Earth. Let’s have a look at a few examples.
They provide oxygen. Plants are natural chemical laboratories, which continuously release oxygen into the air, an essential element for guaranteeing life on the planet… including our own! In fact, every human being needs about 300 litres of oxygen a day and one tree on average produces 20-30 litres of it, so this is why plants are essential for our survival.
They tackle hydrogeological instability. A good range of vegetation protects soil from landslides and mudflows. In fact, by firmly anchoring themselves deep in the ground, plant roots help improve soil stability. Just think that certain species are used in soil bioengineering projects to stabilise the soil.
They reduce air pollution. Trees are highly efficient allies in fighting smog. Through their leaves and their other parts, they can process a large amount of pollutants and can absorb ozone, nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide. According to certain data published by Legambiente, one tree can absorb up to 20 kg of carbon dioxide a year.
They improve environmental thermoregulation. By using solar energy for the processes of transpiration and photosynthesis, trees help lower temperatures. For example, urban heat islands can be reduced by encouraging the development of large green areas in towns.
They prevent water pollution. By absorbing certain pollutants in rainwater, plants and trees help prevent water pollution. They are an incredibly valuable filter for healthy water resources.
They are the habitat of many animal species. Plants and trees are home to “arboreal” animals, so called because they spend a large part of their life among the branches, where they can find a safe haven. Protecting green areas therefore also means protecting animals and biodiversity.
Image by Arnaud Mesureur from Unsplash