Reversing Deforestation Is Complicated; Planting a Tree Is Simple
Dianna Vassallo
Gov. Martin O'Malley (Of Maryland)
Posted: 04/30/2012
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gov-martin-omalley/reversing-deforestation-i_b_1465102.html
Picture: This picture shows the results of deforestation in the United states. Deforestation leaves a once beautifully green land bare and torn up.
Summary: The future of Earth is in the hands of those who chose to destroy forests, or help replant. As the title states, stopping deforestation is not an easy task, but planting a tree isn't complicated. Maryland has decided to take on this task of re-growing, Marylanders say they consider themselves "pro-growth" Americans. Not only do they wish to grow trees, they also want to grow stream buffers, and food. Unfortunately their mission may not be achievable, because first they must find out whether or not we have the capacity to grow. Maryland is beginning it's journey to cleaning up their bit of earth by upgrading to a better sewage treatment technology, and starting better farming practices. A goal they are setting is to have 40 percent of their land covered by trees and forests by 2020.
Reaction: It's really amazing that a state that is very close by to us is beginning to implement such great goals. I was surprised that this article/letter from Gov. Martin O'Malley mentioned many of the things we learned in class. Before environmental science, I had never heard of a buffer zone. Yet Maryland is beginning to grow more stream buffers, along with trees. It also connected to class because they're trying to clean up their sewage, which eventually ends up in local water ways. This is very inspiring, and since it isn't too far away, it makes me think, why don't we try this too? Pennsylvania means "Penn's Woods", how about we try to restore that name and plant a few trees.
Questions
1. Do you think we should make similar goals? If so, what should be the same, and what else could we add?
2. What kind of things would help make this dream of stopping deforestation a reality?
3.Would you help make a change? What would you do?
4. Do you think these goals are achievable? What could stop them from achieving these goals?
:)
Opinion/Reflection:
ReplyDeleteIt’s pretty cool that Maryland is doing this! Though many Americans are aware of deforestation and the harmful affects it can have on the Earth, many do not do a single thing about it. The title here is brilliant; wouldn’t we all want to simply plant a few trees to save the forests? It makes me upsets me that Marylanders are facing minor complications with this. BUT HEY, they are solving more problems than one. I feel like Pennsylvania should be doing this, and most of the states that contain forests and fast amounts of trees. We could make such a difference if high-schoolers go together all across the nation and each planted a tree. Simple, but effective!
2. What kind of things would help make this dream of stopping deforestation a reality?
An excellent question, Dianna! Factors such as teamwork and nationwide awareness would seal this deal. Teamwork is important because to plant trees and make a difference, everyone needs to be on the same page. Also, getting the whole nation to realize what is happening with our trees will cause some, but not all, people to get their hands dirty and make a difference themselves. With these key elements, we will have the nation thriving on the wonders that trees bring, without feeling bad about it.
Opinion/Reflection
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting because you are right, it is so easy to grow a tree. So why doesn't everyone do it? This brings back a project I used to do with my synogog. Every year we would buy a tree in honor of someone and give money to Isreal so they would plant a tree in that person's memory. I always thought it would be a great idea to do that here. It raises awareness about loss of trees and people will be willing to give money in a loved ones name.
4. I definantly think the goals are achievable if we raise awareness about it. The thought is so simple for everyone to just plant a tree. The problem is, people are so lazy these days to get off their seats and make a difference. This is why I think it would be easier if we got people to donate money and volenteers could sign up to plant trees in our area. Another thing stoping our goal is restriction of land. In horsham, we are building so many new houses and shopping centers when we do not need them. There are so many homes up for sale that are great buys and plenty of places to eat and shop within the area. We need to limit our buildings and PLANT SOME TREES!!!
Opinion/Reflect:
ReplyDeleteOkay, no one laugh at me, but the first thing i though of after reading this was THE LORAX! People, I don't care how old we are, if you have not read the Lorax recently, go read it now! In 5th grade when we went to College Settlement camp we did a performance of the Lorax and I was tree. When I was knocked down, I though it was fun and funny, but now i realize how often this happens every day. Once again, trees are another thing that humans take for granted. We think we can just tear as many trees down as we want, and we expect everything to stay the same and be okay. But, things arn't staying the same because we are changing the environment! We need to realize how harmful knocking down multiple trees really is.
3. Would You help make a change? What would you do?
I would absolutely love to help make a change, but I wouldn't want to do it alone. Perie is right, everything that needs to be done to help the trees will take a lot of teamwork. I think the major problem is many people believe they have better things to do then planting a tree. I have planted a tree before and honestly, I think it was a really fun and rewarding experience. Everyone should WANT to help the planet. Trees are beautiful plants and they are necessary for life. Earth is our home, and personally if the world ends up looking everywhere like the picture Dianna posted, then I would not be proud to call this place my home. Hopefully, people will realize how important this really is and decide to make a change.
Opinion/Reflection
ReplyDeleteI think it's awesome that people in Maryland are actually doing something about how our forests are constantly getting destroyed. The solution is so simple, it seems like many more people should be taking action. People always say that something needs to be done about our forests getting destroyed, but people rarely actually do anything. I also completely agree with Dianna, people in Pennsylvania should be implementing these environmentally-friendly habits as well. Pennsylvania is one of the most beautiful and heavily wooded states in the US, so why wouldn't we want to keep it that way?
"Would you help make a change? What would you do?"
Absolutely! I would plant more seeds and acorns so that new trees and plants could grow, and if my neighbors did it too, I would get rid of my grass lawn in favor of more trees and food-providing plants. I actually have a very large grudge against grass. It's basically useless, and we waste the majority of our water on sprinklers to keep it nice and green and pollute our water with pesticides to keep it bug-free. Why? WE SHOULD BE PLANTING INSTEAD. Stupid grass.