Carbon is an essential element for life on Earth. It is a basic building block of organic molecules and is present in all living things. Carbon is also the foundation of the planet’s atmosphere, which is made up of a mixture of gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2).
“Planting and growing increasing quantities of trees is the scientific solution to Earth’s environmental dilemma” Dr. Richard St. Barbe Baker
“The first product of trees is oxygen – we live less than 5 minutes without air; the second, water – we live less than 5 days without water’ thirdly, we live less than 5 weeks without food. Trees produce all these necessities of life. Trees also prevent accelerated erosion and are important in the climate of our island home.” Dr. Richard St. Barbe Baker
But what is the difference between carbon in trees and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? Let’s explore this topic in detail.
Carbon in Trees
Carbon in trees, also known as forest carbon, comes from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Trees absorb carbon dioxide through a process called photosynthesis. During this process, trees use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and carbon-based sugars. Trees use these sugars for energy, growth, and to create the wood that makes up their trunks, branches, leaves, and roots.
By weight, dried tree material is about 50 percent carbon. This means that trees are important for sequestering carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass. When trees die, the carbon stored in their biomass is released back into the atmosphere through decomposition or burning.
Carbon in the Atmosphere
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is naturally present in the atmosphere. The Earth’s carbon cycle maintains a balance between carbon in the atmosphere and carbon stored in plants, soils, and oceans. However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and land use changes, have increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This has caused the planet’s temperature to rise, leading to climate change.
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing, securing, and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. There are two main types of carbon sequestration: biological and geological.
Biological carbon sequestration involves capturing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and storing it in vegetation and soils. This can be achieved through reforestation, afforestation, and other land management practices.
Geological carbon sequestration involves capturing carbon dioxide and storing it underground or in other geological formations. This can be achieved through carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change. By understanding the difference between carbon in trees and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, we can appreciate the importance of preserving forests and implementing sustainable land management practices. Carbon sequestration is an essential tool for reducing the impact of human activities on the environment and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
“According to ancient mythology, trees were the first living things on earth. This is borne out by scientific reasoning which shows that it is through them that the air we breathe can give life to humanity. Through countless ages trees have been drawing carbonic acid gas from the atmosphere, absorbing and incorporating the carbon, assimilating it; then when they die, bequeathing to soil their carboniferous remains. The consequence has been that eventually the atmospheric oxygen was left sufficiently pure for the requirements of birds and mammals which have replaced the flying reptiles and monstrous amphibians that were able to endure the heavy air of primeval swamps and jungles.” — Richard St. Barbe Baker from Trees and Life
“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need it embodies the spirit of service to mankind, in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life, and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interest. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nation saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s lovelies creations ~ the trees. ” Richard St. Barbe Barbe Baker.
Read More:
What is Carbon Sequestration and How Does it Work?
For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
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Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
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“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 