Dear Editor: A few weeks ago, Bill Gates said while speaking in Manhattan, “Although climate change will have serious consequences — particularly for people in the poorest countries – it will not lead to humanity’s demise.”
Whether this is true or not, one thing is clear: Humanity needs to find ways to cope with climate change.
Green space is a useful solution to climate change. There are around 3 trillion trees on Earth, and there is space for about 1 trillion more. If we had that additional trillion trees, the trees would sequester about two-thirds of human carbon emissions since the Industrial Revolution, about 205 gigatons. If we additionally cut down on emissions we would be able to reset much of the harm we have done.
Planting trees is the manifest way to use green space, but there are also more space-saving alternatives. There are many places in Madison, especially shopping centers, that have rooftop space. This space can be used for green roofs.
However, major carbon sequestration isn’t the only benefit of green space. This solution also helps endangered species, creating habitats. It helps with the prevention of flooding, soaking up water. It cools down cities, using the urban heat effect. It helps human mental and physical health; green, open spaces, help people relax and make them feel less trapped by cities, and they can also provide more enjoyable ways to exercise. It improves air quality.
Ultimately, it is beautiful.
Angela McGowan
Madison
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