We need to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by harnessing the power of nature. There are things we can do to help.

The first is to grow plants. Trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. The amount of carbon dioxide absorbed is higher in young trees up to 20 years old. This is true for both hardwoods and softwoods. Trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, returning the oxygen in the carbon dioxide to the air, and storing the carbon in their bodies. Half of the weight of the tree is actually carbon.

In summer, when you walk by a park with trees, you may feel it is cooler than the surrounding area. This is because the shade of the trees blocks the heat of the sun, but it is also because the trees act as natural coolers. As water evaporates from the leaves, it cools the temperature of the surroundings. An American environmentalist's study found that a park with a forest lowers the daytime temperature by 1.8 ℃. Planting trees lowers the temperature of the surrounding area, including yards and homes, and because of this air conditioners do not have to work as hard in the summer.

It is also a good idea to create a green “living” curtain with morning glories and bitter gourd as a sunshade during the summer. Even if you don't have a garden, you can grow houseplants on your balcony. Vegetables in your vegetable garden also grow by absorbing carbon dioxide.

episode 6
Harness the Power of Nature