A refreshing spell of rain in the middle of a desert. A snow-capped mountain in the UAE. Hurricanes wreaking havoc in the United States. What have all three got in common? They are all recent events and extraordinary occurrences. But this may just be the trailer. If we go on treating Mother Earth like we do, a day might come when such occurrences will be commonplace and the world will be an uninhabitable wreck. It is for this reason that you need to be aware of global warming and its horrific consequences.

Contrary to popular perception, air conditioning is not a human invention. Ages before the first humans walked the earth, Nature designed trees and forests to keep the earth cool and habitable. Trees are the only agents who can directly tap sunlight and manufacture food, the source of all sustenance. Further, the absorb Carbon Dioxide and release oxygen, keeping the temperature of the earth in balance in the process. In essence they are nature’s way of air conditioning the planet. So how then does global warming occur and how does it affect these forests?
 

Mass deforestation for settlement and fuel generation has been commonplace over the last century. Even you may have a house whose furniture, walls and floor maybe of wood. Just think how many trees had to be felled to contribute towards your beautiful home! Such deforestation has allowed more carbon dioxide to remain in the atmosphere, a major greenhouse gas which captures the heat of the sun and traps it within the atmospheric layers, the cause of global warming.
 

While deforestation has led to an increase in global warming, just like a feedback cycle, global warming has had adverse effects on the forests as well. As the Earth gets hotter, the ideal temperatures for certain trees to survive shifts northwards as well (as it gets cooler the further north you go). Given enough time, tree species can slowly migrate in belts to the north, thus restoring the balance. But with global warming, the temperature changes are occurring too fast.

Furthermore, deforestation and human settlements may block the migratory path for a lot of tree species, effectively pronouncing doom for them. In addition, Global warming has led to increased drought and forest fires, resulting in the burning down of huge belts of greenery, which may subsequently never be restored again. In some places, trees have just disappeared, to be replaced by grasslands!
 

You must also remember that a forest is not just a bunch of trees. It is brimming with wildlife as well. As the earth warms up and forests shift or disappear, so do many species of birds and animals that weren’t adaptable enough to adjust to the rapid changes. Thus, along with the forests precious birds and animals are also lost forever.

Forests are precious and since you realize that, think twice before going in for extensive woodwork. Our forests have a chance only if you, the consumer, choose to give it one. Try to preserve whatever greenery there is around you. Raise your voice against polluting cars, buses and the wastage of power. And most importantly, try to think of your children. What kind of a world do you want to leave for them?