The global issue of Climate Change
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(Jadav Payeng, an Indian man who planted a forest on his own)
We are all aware of the impact of pollutants caused by fossil fuels and aerosols that linger in the air we breathe.
Most of us know that we have been deforesting many parts of the planet to feed our industrial demand, and we are making it difficult for the planet to recover naturally. Deforesting the Amazon especially, because we leave it with lifeless soil, and when accompanied by long dry spells it can make the rainforest nearly impossible to recover on it's own, and if we don't start to reforest now, it can get much worse as time passes on! It's sad to think that we are still cutting down these rainforests when there are animals who spend their entire lives in the canopy of those HUGE trees. Would we think twice about cutting down the trees if we knew it was our indigenous ancestors who created this abundant rainforest over thousands of years?
It is possible with new technology to harvest the lumber we need, but sustainably in a way that will not harm the forest ecosystem so dramatically. We can do this by selectively harvesting the trees; instead of clearing out the entire forest leaving the ground bare for kilometers. This way, the surrounding forest can heal itself naturally and we can still get the resources we need. (Like cutting small polka-dots out in the forest) Furthermore, I believe there should be a law passed everywhere in the world: If you cut down one tree, plant two in it's place! Should any illegal logging continue to occur, it should be punished severely with long imprisonment, fines, up to even the death penalty.
So, if we could transform even the hottest arid climates and create an abundant forest full of life, why aren't we doing it in more places around the world? It is entirely possible through intelligent planning using topography and earthworks.
By using gravity to our advantage we can direct water into ponds and reservoirs for later use. In a hot arid climate like Phoenix, AZ, which is where I reside, I believe taking this approach is crucial to the growth and security of this growing city. We have plenty of rainwater catchment surfaces, such as large commercial warehouses, buildings, homes, and roads that can collect this precious water. A forest in and nearby a city like this could have the biggest impact on the planet. Imagine drought-tolerant trees densely populated throughout the urban cityscape, matched with the air-purifying qualities trees have, (amazing at trapping dust and pollutants.) Don't forget, in this hot climate the benefit they would provide with shade and water retention in the soil, which can increase humidity and the chances of rain.
It is critical that we begin the process of forest regeneration NOW, and introduce beneficial species that increase the water retention in our soil, so that over time we slowly create an ecosystem that sustains itself even in such a climate... it is entirely POSSIBLE. All we need to do is quit our bitching, collaborate, and start planting more trees, whilst we help those who already are.
If you are interested in learning more, I recommend looking up Geoff Lawton and Bill Mollison. Good day to you all <3
Here are some videos I hope you guys will enjoy:
-Geoff Lawton pictured here in his Zaytuna Farm