Goal 15: Life On Land
While living sustainably may seem daunting, these goals can help us as a society be sustainable. The reasoning behind Goal 15: Life on Land is that we as humans are part of a much larger ecosystem. We have made a home for ourselves on the Land of Earth and must work to live on it without causing harm. This is in fact key to our survival. Here at ForestNation we are pursuing this goal through our tree plantings.
Not only do trees improve human life, but they also improve all life on land. For human life, trees can reduce crime and create a safer environment, which I will talk more about in the next Sustainable Development Goal post.
Trees also promote community and people in an area working together to take care of nature and spend more time outside. This in turn helps the environment as it benefits nature and uses less energy.
Another benefit for humans that trees provide is improved health. Health benefits can be seen through reduced stress and lower rates of asthma. This benefit also connects to a benefit of trees that expands beyond humans.
Trees absorb harmful CO2 and produce oxygen that benefits life. By absorbing CO2 and other pollutants, trees improve the air quality. This not only helps us breath easier but helps us live healthier lives. It also benefits other nature by providing a better environment for it to grow and prosper in.
Along with improving air quality, trees also improve climate. They lower air temperatures by providing shade and decrease humidity through transpiration. Transpiration is the evaporation of water from trees which has a cooling effect.
Beyond human life, trees provide many benefits for other nature, as well as those mentioned above. Trees conserve energy by reducing the amount of electricity we need in our homes. They can do this when planted near homes. Deciduous trees will shade houses in the hot months, while also losing their leaves and allowing sun in for the cold months. However, if plant coniferous trees they can reduce wind when placed to the north of the house.
Trees also create needed habitat for plants and animals. Many animals make their homes in trees, such as birds, frogs, and owls. These animals are ones we commonly see. However, other animals we aren’t familiar with also live in trees. They can often be found in the developing nations where ForestNation also plants trees. Some examples of these animals are orangutans, koalas, monkeys, and lemurs.
