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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