The Log Rack
Global Warming
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Humans are being blamed for global warming. We have created the greenhouse gases that are
causing global warming. We have created holes in the ozone layer by burning fossil fuels and
everything else. The simplest solution would be for every person living in the world today to plant a
tree. Trees are natures "Air Scrubbers" they absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen in return.
Although carbon dioxide is not the major factor leading to global warming the increase in oxygen into
the atmosphere will help to dilute many of the carbon monoxides, sulfur and others. Over the past
decades with urban sprawl and the deforestation of the Amazon trees have been cut down at alarming
rates. I would venture to say the rate of deforestation worldwide and the rate of global warming would
run very close to each other. I constantly read articles on conferences and scientific studies on the
atmosphere debating who's to blame and causes but no real solutions or steps are being taken. We
continue to build new homes striping the land of all the trees.
By burning fossil fuels we release carbon into the atmosphere that has been buried deep in the earth
for millions of years. This has increased the carbon. Burning of coal has increased carbon and sulfur
levels over the past decades. We have decreased the number of trees at the same alarming rates.
Our Governments legislatures have helped with regulations in air quality for factory emissions.
Factories today in the US are putting fewer pollutants into the air but it is not enough. Many
manufacturers faced the with overwhelming costs for meeting these regulations have closed their US
plants and opened in China or third world countries with little of no regulations for air quality. Thus in a
sense we are defeating the purpose. Third World Countries welcome the factories because it means
growth for their economy as it undermines ours. What a web we have woven in just a few decades.
As a "Baby Boomer" the largest generation of consumers I can remember back in high school how we
were going to change the world. We were the generation that was going to make a difference! Well we
have. We didn't start the process, but we have allowed it to continue and grow at alarming rates. We
sat back and enjoyed the best lifestyles of all times. We drive gas guzzlers most often bigger than our
first homes. We have built homes that could house several families and cleared the land to build them.
We have enjoyed what our great grandchildren will never see. We must join in efforts to stop the global
warming while there is still time. The most obvious solution is to plant a tree.
Contact local city officials about having tree planting days in your community. Local scout troops are
always looking for community projects. Some of the faster growing trees are the red maple, tulip
poplar and the weeping willow. The white birch gives off the most oxygen but it mainly survives in the
upper northern states. If you live in an apartment or condo contact the association about planting more
trees on the communal property. If you work in a factory or office buildings with large grassy areas
consider planting a few trees. If you can't plant a tree where you live, try an evergreen in a container.
You can even turn it into a bonsai.
We have to contact our Government Officials to work at cutting through the red tape in getting other
countries to set standards for pollution control. We have to set up global pollution regulations before
it's too late. I know this process takes a long time but it must be done.
Helpful links on tree planting.
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How to plant a tree The Virginia Department of Forestry.
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The fastest growing trees See List.
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The Virginia Cooperative Extension has a great list of trees that can be planted in container.
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