STOP THE TREE GENOCIDE!

I generally try not to share my opinions on this platform, especially when it comes to current events, but the recent situation in Cleveland regarding our Tree Canopy has compelled me to speak out. Over the past few months, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has been actively deforesting our highways, a move that raises serious concerns to me and many other Ohioans. This action appears to contradict the promises made by the current administration during their campaign, as they initially pledged to protect and preserve our natural environment. Now, it seems they are standing by as our urban canopy is being diminished.

Our tree canopy is a vital part of Cleveland’s ecosystem and urban landscape, providing numerous environmental, health, and aesthetic benefits. Many believe that planting new trees can compensate for the loss of mature ones, but this is a misconception, which is quite significant. In fact, recent research by Moriah McDonald, published by Inside Climate News, challenges the idea that simply planting new trees is an effective climate solution. McDonald’s study highlights that younger, newly planted trees often do not provide the same benefits as established, mature trees. Furthermore, darker forests tend to absorb more heat from the sun, which decreases the Earth's albedo (reflectivity), contributing to global warming. Trees also release organic compounds that can basically slow the breakdown of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, thus playing a complex role in climate regulation.

This isn’t to say we should harm or neglect existing trees. On the contrary, we must prioritize caring for our current, older trees, which literally have taken decades to grow and are irreplaceable in their ecological contributions in a subtle way. The excuse that deforestation is necessary to improve highway visibility or for aesthetic reasons is shortsighted and insufficient. ODOT and the City of Cleveland need to take responsibility for their actions and recognize that planting new trees is only part of the solution, proper maintenance and preservation of our existing canopy definitely are equally, if not more, important.

Globally, approximately 1.9 billion trees are planted each year, yet many of these saplings fail to survive past their first year due to inadequate care, improper planting techniques, or abandonment. Cleveland must do better in protecting its mature trees and ensuring that new plantings are properly cared for to truly benefit our community and environment. Our city’s tree canopy is a shared resource that requires collective effort, not just from government agencies but from residents as well.

I also encourage everyone to listen to the episode of Green Arenas hosted by Robert Carillio and Jeremy Hempy Koosed for The Inquisitor Media. They delve into the importance of our Tree Canopy and discuss how critical it is for community members to stay informed and engaged. Protecting our trees is not solely the responsibility of the government; it’s a community effort. We all have a role to play in advocating for policies that prioritize the health and longevity of Cleveland’s trees.