Becoming Wise Gardeners

Often, when we talk about saving the earth’s climate we talk about the number one problem, the need to switch energy sources from polluting and archaic fossil fuels to modern clean energy sources.

More so, I enjoy reading and learning about the second simultaneous step we need to take to save the climate. Some of the Carbon Dioxide must be removed from the air and stored. Scientists use the terms Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS), or Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) to describe this. When carbon is captured it must be used or safely put somewhere. Today it is pumped back into the earth into old mines or oil fields. These mines and oil fields are called “sinks”.

Mother Nature has a lot of natural sinks. For instance, I am sitting in my favorite rocking chair listening to music. My chair and my speakers are made of wood. Alive, or dead, a tree and its commercial product timber, are natural carbon sinks. In fact, any plant is a carbon sink. Far and away the best carbon sink is the tree. Forests, whether they be in Brazil’s Amazon or in our Porcupine Mountains are active, efficient, carbon sinks. Other natural efficient sinks are biodiverse marshlands, swamps, wetlands, and grasslands.

All these regions absorb rain, then slowly release the clean water to our streams and to our underground reservoirs. Carbon sinks, water cleaners, flood protectors, wildlife nurturers, don’t you think these are win-win scenarios?

Commercial timber, crop, and grasslands also play an important role. A tree in the forest or a board on the wall are both carbon sinks. One key to survival, now, is to find the most efficient ways to manage our commercial forests, farms, and grasslands to maximize sequestration of carbon, while protecting commercial interests.  Fortunately, these efforts not only help in the fight to save the climate, but they improve and protect the soil for future generations who deserve to inherit healthy forests, productive farms, and rich grazing lands.

Perhaps, we simply need to make the psychological leap to be a gardener. A good gardener sees, listens, learns and acts. This is caring. As the Pope tells us, we need to develop an ethic of, “Care of God’s Creation.” Even our National Academies of Science challenges us to develop “Stewardship” as a key component of our American character.

It is a great time to be alive. The integration of science, religion, and caregiving makes for rewarding times and exciting opportunities. And, it is nice to know that Mother Earth is here to help. She just needs a little respect.

For more information go to: plantabillion.org          

Additionally search: “Mississippi River Valley Carbon Project” or “Southern Pine Reforestation”.

Fun, inspirational books: “The Hidden Life of Trees” and “The Earth is Enough”.

Promote a green city anywhere!