What 20,000,000 Trees Can Do

Trees serve multiple purposes, such as bearing fruits, providing shade, and offering habitats for various animals. Did you know they can also play a crucial role in combating climate change? That's right! Today, we'll discuss the mission of teamtrees.org, which aims to plant twenty million new trees by 2020. Each dollar donated translates to one tree planted. You might be wondering, "What impact would twenty million new trees have on the planet?" Let's explore the enormous positive effects that each donation to teamtrees can bring.

Trees are home to a diverse range of organisms, from lichens to bees to possums. A single mature oak tree can provide shelter for up to 500 different species! With the ongoing mass extinction threatening numerous animals, the presence of trees becomes crucial in preserving biodiversity. Many animals rely on trees for their homes, food, and protection. Planting just one tree is like creating a complete ecosystem, including housing, nourishment, and a nursery all at once! Imagine the impact of planting twenty trees with a twenty-dollar donation—it's akin to constructing an entire city for animals. Multiply this by a million, and we're talking about a thriving metropolis of diverse wildlife.

Studies consistently demonstrate the emotional and physical benefits of spending time in a forest or tree-filled environment. Being amidst trees can rejuvenate your mood, instill a sense of peace, and reduce stress, depression, and anger. The Japanese even have a term for this therapeutic practice: "Shirin-yoku" or "forest bathing." Trees not only have emotional effects but also contribute to physical well-being. Research indicates that being around trees can lower blood pressure and reduce stress-related hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. In essence, trees have the power to make you happy. Happier individuals tend to engage in fewer crimes, particularly violent ones. Picture the tranquility of a grove with even just a few trees. By planting twenty million new trees, we could create thousands of groves, enabling millions of people to enjoy regular forest baths, fostering happiness and reducing crime rates. You could become a true crime fighter, all thanks to the trees you helped plant.

Trees provide natural cooling mechanisms. They block sunlight and create shade, lowering air temperatures. They also reflect heat upwards from their leaves, further contributing to cooling effects. Additionally, when moisture evaporates from tree leaves, it cools the surrounding area—similar to how our bodies cool down through sweating. Trees can significantly reduce temperatures, and in urban neighborhoods, mature trees can make a difference of up to 11 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) during summer heat compared to treeless areas. Consider the contrast between an uncomfortably hot day at 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) and a pleasant 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius). Moreover, trees can cool down buildings, reducing the need for air conditioning and helping conserve energy. Studies show that strategically planted trees providing shade can decrease building cooling costs by 20% to 30%. If an average home has a monthly cooling bill of $100 in the summer, planting ten trees around it could save around $30 per month. Extrapolating that to twenty million trees planted around homes, we could potentially save $60 million in energy costs! So, if you're unable to donate to this cause, consider planting a few trees around your house. Not only will they enhance the beauty of your surroundings, but they might also help reduce your future power bills.

Trees act as effective sound barriers due to their ability to absorb and deflect sound waves. Thick branches and leaves absorb high-frequency noise, while the flexibility of tree material causes vibrations that transform sound energy. A dense row of trees can block up to fifteen decibels of sound, comparable to wearing earplugs. Instead of uncomfortable foam in your ears, you have the added benefit of beautiful scenery.

The root systems of trees play a vital role in soil conservation during heavy rainstorms, preventing erosion, flooding, and mudslides. This, in turn, ensures the safety of people and buildings. Trees also improve water quality by filtering impurities and retaining water in the soil through their roots. These actions help recharge water tables, reduce the amount of water flowing into sewers, and decrease the volume of stormwater carrying pollutants into the ocean. During its growing season, a single 100-foot tall tree can extract up to 11,000 gallons of water from the soil, releasing it as oxygen and clean water vapor. Twenty million trees could potentially filter an astonishing 220 billion gallons of water—a volume that surpasses 300,000 Olympic swimming pools!

While humans exhale carbon dioxide, trees absorb and store this greenhouse gas during photosynthesis, releasing oxygen as a by-product. The excess carbon dioxide in our atmosphere contributes to global warming, making trees essential in mitigating its effects. The amount of oxygen produced by a tree depends on various factors, including its species, health, and ambient temperature. However, a mature tree can absorb approximately 48 pounds (21.77 kilograms) of carbon dioxide per year and generate enough oxygen to support two humans. An acre of trees annually consumes as much carbon dioxide as an average car driven for 26,000 miles (41,842 kilometers). Considering that an acre typically hosts around 300 trees, planting twenty million new trees could offset the carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to a car driving over 1.7 billion miles (2.7 billion kilometers) annually!

Lastly, trees also absorb other harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, improving air quality. Their canopies act as physical filters, capturing dust particles, pollen, smoke, and smog. A mature tree can remove up to 2.20 pounds (1.7 kilograms) of pollutants per year. With twenty million trees, the potential removal of pollutants could reach 44 million pounds. Furthermore, studies have revealed that dust levels can be as much as 75% lower on the sheltered side of trees compared to the windward side. No one enjoys dusty air, so by planting trees or supporting organizations like teamtrees.org, you can contribute to cleaner air for yourself and future generations.

In a Swiss study conducted in July 2019, it was suggested that planting enough trees could halt or significantly alleviate climate change. That's why we are dedicated to supporting the mission of teamtrees.org, aiming to plant 20 million new trees by 2020. The Infographics Show is actively involved, and we encourage you to join in too! With each $1 donation resulting in a new tree planted, you can become part of an extraordinary movement that brings tangible benefits. Let's show the world how the YouTube community can unite and accomplish something incredible. So, what are you waiting for? Visit teamtrees.org and contribute to the initiative of planting twenty million new trees! If you're unable to donate, share this and other videos to encourage your loved ones—your mom, dad, aunt, best friend, and everyone else—to get involved!