![\"Pristine](\"https:\/\/herofortheplanet.org\/ghsc-earth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/07\/RS1765_SBA_2011-07-30_070027-low.jpg\" "\\"Pristine")
\n\tForests come in many forms: from towering trees like pines and oaks to dense mangrove forests that grow along coastlines. Whether inland or on the shore, forests are powerful ecosystems that the earth and its inhabitants rely on; but why are forests so crucial?<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\tTrees & Climate\t<\/h2>\n\t
Carbon<\/strong> is an element, meaning that it is one of the basic building blocks that makes up everything around us.<\/p>\n Carbon can be found in: humans, plants, animals, trees, fuel, etc!<\/strong><\/p>\n Though carbon is all around us and necessary for life, it becomes an issue when too much carbon dioxide gas is released into the atmosphere. The buildup of carbon traps heat in the atmosphere causing the Earth to exceed normal\u00a0 temperature levels. <\/p>\n This large accumulation is in part due to industries, such as manufacturing, which produce an excessive amount of it.\u00a0<\/p>\n The unnatural heating of the earth caused by excess carbon can result in:<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t \u00a0As polar ice melts into the ocean, sea levels are expected to rise from\u00a01-8 feet by 2100<\/p>\n\t\t Changing climate and atmospheric conditions will lead to more intense\u00a0storms<\/p>\n\t\t As climate patterns shift, some parts of the world will see hotter and\u00a0drier conditions<\/p>\n\t\t Hotter and drier conditions will lead to longer and more\u00a0destructive fire seasons<\/p>\n\t\t \u00a0Such changes are affecting seasonal patterns, which are important for\u00a0growing seasons, life cycles, migration, etc.<\/p>\n\t One way these emissions can be minimized is through healthy forests. Plants take in, or sequester<\/strong>, carbon during photosynthesis, using it to help them grow. Forests sequester large amounts of carbon to keep themselves healthy; they capture about 30% of the earth’s carbon emissions every year! These high levels of carbon intake have earned them the title of a carbon sink<\/strong>. Alongside oceans, soils, and wetlands, forests help reduce large amounts of carbon in the atmosphere.<\/p>\n Sinks refer to natural systems that absorb and store carbon dioxide and other gases from the atmosphere. When we disrupt or destroy carbon sinks, not only do we stop them from providing this service, we also release the carbon they have previously stored. So protecting these sinks, and ensuring they are resilient and healthy, is a critical strategy for environmental action.<\/p>\n Not only do trees hold carbon, but they also provide us with the clean air we need to live.\u00a0When a tree takes in carbon, they use the sunlight to transform it into nutrients to grow.\u00a0The outcome of that process is oxygen which is released into the atmosphere.<\/p>\n Older trees produce more oxygen than younger trees. Similarly, certain tree species (like the Douglas Fir, Spruce, Beech, and Maple Trees) release more than others.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Green spaces refer to outdoor recreational areas that are open to the public for activities such as relaxation and exercise. These spaces are important gathering areas for communities and a place where members of the community can gather and meet one another. They also can serve as a wonderful place to learn about nature, as many green spaces help preserve natural landscapes.<\/p>\n\t With the rise of technological use, it is important to take time away from the screen. Psychologists have found that unplugging from technology and spending time outside can positively affect one’s mental health. Scientists noticed that simply living near green spaces led to improved cognitive ability, especially that of focus among participants.<\/p>\n Not only do forests sequester carbon and provide fresh air,\u00a0they also serve as important shelters. <\/p>\n Around 80% of amphibian species, 75% of bird species, and 68% mammal species call\u00a0our forests home. Among these residents are animals that are threatened or endangered,\u00a0and rely on the health of our forests for their species to continue to survive and thrive.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t For people living along coastlines, mangroves might be a common sight. These trees\u00a0grow in brackish water<\/strong>:\u00a0water that is a mix of fresh and saltwater. They are known for\u00a0their tall root systems that can be seen vaulting above water level. These unique trees are\u00a0able to hold up to 4 times more carbon per acre than tropical forests can! Mangroves that have been destroyed, in turn, contribute to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions as the carbon is re-released into the atmosphere.<\/p>\n Mangroves are not just great carbon sinks, but they provide shelter for marine wildlife,\u00a0especially for young fish. The roots keep larger predators away and offer sanctuary from\u00a0strong tide waters. By giving juvenile fish a protected habitat to grow, these forests are\u00a0crucial in sustaining fish populations.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLet’s Find Out\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t What happens when trees disappear?<\/strong><\/p>\n\nRising Sea Levels<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
![\"sea-level-ris-768x512.jpeg\"](\"https:\/\/herofortheplanet.org\/ghsc-earth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/07\/sea-level-ris-768x512.jpeg.webp\" "\\"sea-level-ris-768x512.jpeg\\"")
\nIntense Storms<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
![\"hurricane-768x524.jpeg\"](\"https:\/\/herofortheplanet.org\/ghsc-earth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/07\/hurricane-768x524.jpeg-300x205.webp\" "\\"hurricane-768x524.jpeg\\"")
\nDrought & Heat<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
![\"drought-768x512.jpeg\"](\"https:\/\/herofortheplanet.org\/ghsc-earth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/07\/drought-768x512.jpeg.webp\" "\\"drought-768x512.jpeg\\"")
\nLonger Fire Seasons<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
![\"fire-768x512.jpeg\"](\"https:\/\/herofortheplanet.org\/ghsc-earth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/07\/fire-768x512.jpeg.webp\" "\\"fire-768x512.jpeg\\"")
\nShifting Seasons<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
![\"seasons-768x512.jpeg\"](\"https:\/\/herofortheplanet.org\/ghsc-earth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/07\/seasons-768x512.jpeg.webp\" "\\"seasons-768x512.jpeg\\"")
\n\n\t\t\tAir\t<\/h2>\n\t
![\"Carbon](\"https:\/\/herofortheplanet.org\/ghsc-earth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/07\/istockphoto-1301752836-612x612-1.jpg\" "\\"istockphoto-1301752836-612x612\\"")
\n\t\t\t\t![\"WCB_0901](\"https:\/\/herofortheplanet.org\/ghsc-earth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/07\/4622124001_6634187639_o.jpg\" "\\"WCB_0901")
\n\n\t\t\tGreen Spaces\t<\/h2>\n\t
\n\t\t\tWildlife Habitats\t<\/h2>\n\t
![\"Certifying-Your-Yard-As-A-Wildlife-Habitat\"](\"https:\/\/herofortheplanet.org\/ghsc-earth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/07\/Certifying-Your-Yard-As-A-Wildlife-Habitat.webp\" "\\"Certifying-Your-Yard-As-A-Wildlife-Habitat\\"")
\n\tMangroves<\/b><\/h2>\n