LAHORE: Environment and climate change experts on Friday stressed upon the need to stop deforestation and protect trees, saying the ‘lungs of the planet ‘ are vital for life and ecosystems. Experts said that forests and trees currently cover one-third of the earth, adding that trees play a major role in the struggle to reduce the Carbondioxide (CO2) content in the atmosphere. Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) environmental expert Dr Fahad said, “In our work on converting our power stations from coal to biomass, such as wood chips and wood pellets, it is crucial that we only use wood from sustainable forestry.”

He said that trees played an important role by protecting soil from erosion, producing oxygen, storing carbondioxide besides helping climate control. Dr Fahad said trees also played their role in purifying air and water.

SDPI Senior Research Associate Shakeel Ahmed Ramay said trees contribute to environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife.

He said trees control climate by moderating effects of the sun, rain, wind and leaves absorb and filter the sun’s radiant energy. Ramay said trees, shrubs and turf also filter air by removing dust and absorbing other pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. “Biological diversity is the basis for a wide array of goods and services provided by forests,” he added. The variety of forest trees and shrubs play a vital role in the daily life of rural communities, as contributors to soil and water conservation, and as repositories of aesthetic, ethical, cultural and religious values, he said, adding that forest animals are a vital source of nutrition and income to many people, and have vital roles in forest ecology, such as pollination control, seed predation, dispersal and germination, and predation on potential pest species.

Source: http://dailytimes.com.pk/punjab/06-Aug-16/experts-stress-upon-need-to-stop-deforestation