Forests and health: International Day of Forests

Every year on March 21st we celebrate the International Day of Forests.

Today is a great time to raise awareness of the great role that trees play in our lives and what our planet would be like without them.

This year's theme is "forests and health", because forests do so much for our health. The UN website states "They purify the water, clean the air, capture carbon to fight climate change, provide food and life-saving medicines, and improve our well-being."

In the face of climate change, particularly in light of the most recent IPCC report, it is important to note that it's not just living trees that store the considerable amounts of carbon dioxide that cause global warming. Tearing these trees down then releases that damaging fuel to the atmosphere.

Wooded areas are not only a refuge for wildlife, trees are also crucial for city dwellers. They can reduce air-conditioning costs. By planting them thoughtfully, they can lower the air temperature in a city.

International Day of Forests was established on November 28, 2012, by the United Nations General Assembly. It aims to raise humanity's awareness of the importance of forests for humans.