The climate crisis is an existential worldwide threat, and its effects have never been more prominent. We are already experiencing severe weather events like Hurricane Helene, Beryl, and Milton, Although Hurricane Helene made landfall on the coast of Florida, its damage reached as far inland as western North Carolina, Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia, resulting in catastrophic damage and loss of life in both states. Record heat waves throughout the summer across the U.S. and wildfires that displaced 240,000 people across the U.S. have proven that the effects of climate change are not something to worry about for the future; they are already here. The deadly windswept fires ravaging Los Angeles are also exacerbated and fanned by climate change-related conditions. A Pew research study found that 43% of Americans are concerned with climate change and believe it is causing harm to those living in the U.S. 63% feel that the effects of drastic climate changes will get worse in their lifetime. These numbers should be much higher, but they are growing quickly and will continue to do so.
Climate change is a multifaceted problem. Overharvesting of our natural resources, an excess of non-biodegradable waste, the use of fossil fuels, and many other challenges confront us. The current infrastructure of our world often makes it difficult to make more sustainable choices like using public transport or biodegradable products. To make matters worse, these are all accelerated by industry operations, and companies are reluctant to budge on practices that have worked in the past and increase their profits. One may feel that they could turn to their government to regulate the destruction of our planet, but many Americans rightfully feel their elected officials aren’t doing enough to promote green energy or conservation. Two-thirds of Americans believe the federal government is doing very little to combat climate change. With no one else to turn to, it seems the responsibility to combat climate change falls on each of us to make better choices. While various factors drive climate change, there are also numerous solutions we can pursue to fight it, and the results that follow are very encouraging.
36% of the land in our U.S. is covered in forests, nature’s solution for carbon absorption, home for wildlife, water purification, and more! Forests and natural landscapes are our strongest natural defense against climate change. Carbon is naturally absorbed by trees, plants, fungi, soil and the ocean, making them natural carbon storage banks. Trees absorb CO2 and convert it into oxygen for us to breathe, as well as reduce the amount of carbon in our atmosphere, which traps heat and, in turn, results in warmer temperatures across the globe. The roots of trees stabilize the soil, ensuring that vast amounts of healthy soil exist for carbon sequestration. Forest watersheds help manage water flow from extreme weather events like flooding from heavy rainfall, hurricanes, or snowmelt from significant snowstorms. Finally, these landscapes serve as a home for various flora and fauna, each of which has a role in the ecosystem.
Tree canopy is even more necessary in our urban areas. Concrete jungles absorb heat very well, resulting in what’s known as the urban heat island. Urban areas are much hotter than rural regions because pavement and structures amplify the heat, and the unhealthy air quality that’s created does real harm to seniors, people with preexisting medical conditions, and those in at-risk communities, not to mention the higher cooling costs. Trees and small green spaces are some of the best answers we have. Trees provide shade to cool down and prevent sunlight from heating the concrete. They absorb emissions from cars and release water vapor into the air via their leaves, effectively cooling urban areas by 20-45 degrees Fahrenheit in shaded areas and by 2-9 degrees Fahrenheit. Energy costs also go down by 30%.
So, who ensures that urban regions have access to trees? Or that people living in the suburbs appreciate and utilize the natural resources nearby? Or that rural areas can continue farming practices while also preserving the natural landscape they live in? The answer is your local land trust! Land trusts work collaboratively with local, state, and national governments, as well as other non-profits, private companies, universities, community groups, and more, to preserve land and spread awareness of the value of our natural resources. The first ever regional land trust was founded in 1891 in Massachusetts by Charles Eliot. Now, there are land trusts all over the globe, in more than 100 nations over 6 continents. Land trusts unite individuals and various groups together to protect one of our most valuable assets: land. They work creatively to make conservation in your neighborhood happen, providing their expertise every step of the way. The Land Trust Alliance reports that in the United States, land trusts have conserved over 61 million acres of land since the 1970s.
At NVCT, we are dedicated to preserving the urban, rural, and suburban landscapes of Northern Virginia. We believe everyone should have access to the mental and physical benefits of nearby nature and the climate resilience that natural spaces offer. We often talk about saving iconic rainforests across the globe, but one of the easiest ways to contribute to the fight against climate change is by saving places in our own backyard. From creating preserves in suburban areas like the Little Hunting Creek preserve to safeguarding critical lands around the Occoquan to maintain clean water for local communities, NVCT is working across Northern Virginia to protect these vital landscapes.
As climate change accelerates, the landscapes we work in are transforming at an unprecedented rate. To ensure that Northern Virginia remains resilient in the face of these challenges, our land protection approach must also evolve. NVCT has invested in the development of mapping that allows us to identify areas with significant overlap of key climate resilience factors, such as critical watersheds and regions affected by the urban heat island effect. By utilizing this map, we can pinpoint lands most important for climate defense, helping us make informed decisions on where conservation efforts will have the most significant impact.
Envision a world where everyone did their part to protect their neck of the woods. In the early 1970s, Wangari Maathai organized a tree-planting movement called the “Green Belt Movement” in Kenya. Over 51 million trees have been planted to date in Kenya, binding soil, acting as a carbon sink, storing rainwater, and providing food and shelter for Kenyan communities. At NVCT, we don’t just work with landowners and other entities to protect land; we also engage the communities we serve in conservation. Everyone has a right to learn about the land they live on and participate in stewarding it. Outreach events like Terborgh Garden invasive pulls and kayak clean-ups allow people to experience land stewardship and inspire them to find small ways to counteract climate change!
In conclusion, the fight against climate change is a collective effort, and land trusts play a crucial role in preserving the natural systems that help mitigate its effects. Our work is made possible through the collaboration of landowners, donors, volunteers, and partners, and we remain deeply grateful for their unwavering support. While there may be differing opinions on the most effective strategies to combat climate change, one thing is clear: every action counts. We believe anyone passionate about safeguarding our planet's future should consider joining us in this essential work because we can make a lasting impact together.
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