Trees Give Us Air
TREES are some of Earth's most important living things. They make the AIR we breathe! Through a process called PHOTOSYNTHESIS, trees take in CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) from the air, use sunlight as energy, and make OXYGEN (O2) — which they release back into the air for us to breathe.
Animals (including us!) do the OPPOSITE. We breathe in OXYGEN and breathe out CARBON DIOXIDE. So trees and animals depend on each other. Without trees, the air we need would slowly disappear. Without animals, trees wouldn't get their CO2. We are partners.
When trees do photosynthesis, what do they take IN and give OUT?
How much air. A big tree can produce enough oxygen for 2-4 people each year! That's why FORESTS matter so much — they're Earth's lungs. The Amazon rainforest produces about 6% of all Earth's oxygen. When forests are cut down, we lose oxygen producers AND release stored CO2. Planting trees and protecting forests helps the whole planet.
Tree Hug
Find a tree near you. Put your hand on it. This tree is breathing — slowly, but really. As you look, it's taking in your exhaled CO2 and making oxygen. Say thank you, even if you feel silly. Trees deserve it.
Every breath you take is partly thanks to a tree somewhere. Take care of trees — they take care of you.
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