March 2022 Environmental Celebration
International Day of the Forests – Monday, March 21st
Environmental Forum
The United Nations designated March 21st to be the International Day of the Forests to raise awareness of the importance of forests and trees. “A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
Trees can help address climate change, as they capture carbon dioxide and store it as wood; the fastest growing trees store the most carbon. Forests can absorb as much as 20% of our annual greenhouse gas emissions. Over 25% of the world’s medicine comes from tropical forest plants. Every year 32 million acres of forests are lost; 80% of our natural forests have now been cleared and destroyed.
Take these actions to protect our trees and forests:
Susan Leuthauser
The United Nations designated March 21st to be the International Day of the Forests to raise awareness of the importance of forests and trees. “A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
Trees can help address climate change, as they capture carbon dioxide and store it as wood; the fastest growing trees store the most carbon. Forests can absorb as much as 20% of our annual greenhouse gas emissions. Over 25% of the world’s medicine comes from tropical forest plants. Every year 32 million acres of forests are lost; 80% of our natural forests have now been cleared and destroyed.
Take these actions to protect our trees and forests:
- Plant native trees; avoid invasive species. Watch for tree sales at the local Soil & Water Conservation Service for healthy native trees.
- Support organizations that plant trees, e.g., the Arbor Day Foundation.
- Learn what the Forest Heroes did to be recognized by the UN with this honor. Go
to: https://www.un.org/esa/forests/outreach/forest-heroes/index.html. - Organize a watch party with friends and family to watch these short forest films,
https://www.un.org/esa/forests/outreach/film-festival/short-film/index.html,
and learn what forests mean to people. Each film is less than 5 minutes long. - Join a campaign to stop deforestation; and start a discussion with your friends
about the impact of deforestation on the environment and humans. - Take a walk in the woods and enjoy the fragrance and calmness of the forest.
Susan Leuthauser
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