Trees are key players in the carbon cycle from "summary" of The Overstory by Richard Powers
Trees are the world's great engines. They are the earth's great connectors. They stand, as they have always stood, between the earth and the sky. They are the world's largest plants and the most numerous. They are also the world's most efficient carbon-sequestering machines. They take carbon from the air and lock it away in their woody bodies. They are key players in the carbon cycle, holding a delicate balance that sustains life on earth. Trees are not just individuals. They are communities. They communicate with each other through a network of fungi that connect their roots. They share nutrients, water, and information through this underground web. They form alliances with other species, creating complex ecosystems that support a myriad of life forms. They are the guardians of biodiversity, providing habitat for countless species of plants, animals, and insects. Trees are also the lungs of the planet. They produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, which is essential for all living beings. They clean the air by absorbing pollutants and trapping dust particles on their leaves. They regulate the climate by moderating temperature and humidity. They prevent soil erosion by anchoring the soil with their roots. They provide shelter, food, and medicine for humans and animals alike. Trees are under threat. They are being cut down at an alarming rate to make way for agriculture, urban development, and logging. Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change, releasing carbon stored in trees back into the atmosphere. We must protect our forests and plant more trees to mitigate the effects of climate change. We must recognize the vital role that trees play in the carbon cycle and act to preserve them for future generations.
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