THE TIMES OF INDIA, NEW DELHI 00 TIMES EVOKE SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 ‘Trees permit human beings to exist — they are miracles of science, and of art’ ometimes, the greatest journeys occur when we stand still. This is an important Graeme P Berlyn is EH Harriman Professor of Forest Management and Physiology of Trees forests are cooler because the tree Slesson from one of nature’s miracle-work- crowns shield the forest floor from ers — the tree. Today, as the world comes to a at Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Writing for Times Evoke, direct solar radiation. This effect is standstill, trees offer us amazing journeys, of also seen in snowmelt — the snow insight, learning and memory. In heeding the renowned environmental expert discusses the science of trees — and their poetry: melts first in open fields or meadows. trees, we enrich ourselves immeasurably. This influences animals as well in Forest trees have evolved Much of the current situation the world faces rees have many benefits these environments. cooperative relationships, maintained Trees have been around for about now comes from its growing disconnect with for the entire life of our by communication through — and disregard for — nature, its unbounded planet. Trees tower ma- 400 million years — in contrast, underground networks beauty and its clear boundaries, between jestically into the atmos- humans have only existed for about species, ecosystems and human needs versus phere where they absorb 100 million years. Once conifers and Trees’ deep roots house mycorrhizal greed. Indeed, in humanity’s arrogance over Tcarbon and release oxygen, a process other gymnosperms dominated networks — a ‘mycorrhiza’ is a ‘mastering’ the natural world, we have somewhere that permits the very life of aerobic Earth, but in the Cretaceous era, symbiotic relationship between a forgotten that we are simply one part of it. organisms — like humans — to exist. flowering plants arose and these are plant and a fungus. The plant makes This moment offers us a valuable opportu- Their roots penetrate deep into the soil now the dominant flora of the plan- organic molecules, like sugars, by nity to reacquaint ourselves with nature’s where they recycle nutrients around et. Many of the gymnosperm groups photosynthesis, giving these to the tapestry, starting with an ideal guide — trees. the rhizosphere. Trees occupy only became extinct. Some tree species fungus, which supplies water and As Times Evoke’s global experts point out, about a third of the terrestrial surface have become extinct quite recently. nutrients from the soil to the plant trees are among the world’s most astonishing of the Earth — but they are responsi- The American chestnut, for in- marvels of science. A single tree gives two ble for approximately two-thirds of stance, once dominated the forests About 90% of land plants are humans clean air to breathe while forming a the planetary carbon capture of northeastern United States, but interconnected with such fungi — home for multiple species. Trees cool the air through the process of photosynthe- an invasive fungus, called the chest- each tree combines a dozen species — studies find one tree can have the cooling sis. This is performed nut blight, almost totally eliminated of fungi which communicate with effect of 10 air-conditioning units — and by tree leaves that this stately and useful species. fungi in another tree’s roots endow it with moisture, mitigating heat. A tree grow along the stems My own favourite trees are the Scientists fi nd older ‘mother trees’, removes harmful atmospheric chemicals and and branches into the redwoods (Sequoia, Sequoiadendron, with deeper roots, use these networks replenishes groundwater supplies. Through atmosphere. WHEN NATURE TOWERS: The coniferous evergreen redwood is the world’s tallest Metasequoia). Many of the redwoods to nurture younger saplings — the carbon sequestration, trees absorb carbon Significantly, trees tree. These can grow over 345 feet in height and can live from 500 to 2,000 years have had their distributions greatly older trees send these nutrients, dioxide, storing this away for years, while pro- have a large area of diminished because of climate increasing supplies when detecting tecting the very ground we stand on, prevent- leaves per unit of should be managed for the greatest trogen from the atmosphere and change and pathogens like insects and distress signals ing soil erosion in floods and storms. ground surface area good of the greatest number in the survive without much fertilisation, diseases. I like these trees because Wondrously, trees do all this as sentient beings, as compared to other long run.” The survival of a healthy while agricultural fields lose nitro- they grow fast and live long. There are A tree’s fungi also exchange signals communicating with other trees, forming a land plants — this accounts for their planet is certainly one of these gen and need to be fertilised for pro- other long-lived species, like the about droughts, insect attacks, etc., secret underground world of networks which immense carbon capture. A key fac- “greatest goods”. ductivity. A number of leguminous bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva), but enabling defences by increasing ‘speak’. A global planting of trees, scientists tor is the long life of trees, so the And in this cycle of good, tree and some non-leguminous trees fix they grow slowly and remain small in enzyme production say, can even powerfully mitigate climate carbon that is taken up from carbon leaves are key organs for the energy nitrogen from the atmosphere using stature. In contrast, redwoods have This ‘underground internet’ also of the Earth. Tree leaves aggregate symbiotic microorganisms (rhizo- great growth plasticity and change change, removing upto two-thirds of the dioxide in the process of tree photo- boosts trees’ immunity. When a fungus pollutants induced into Earth’s atmosphere synthesis is stored for the life of the into tree crowns and the tree crowns bia, Frankia), another striking fact their leaf morphology and physiology reaches a tree’s roots, it triggers by human activity. tree. When trees are removed due to aggregate into forest canopies. These of the natural world. with their height along the tree bole. defensive chemicals, causing ‘priming’ Times Evoke thereby invites you on a clearing for various needs that result may form a single layer or several lay- Also, forests ameliorate climate They can also reiterate their architec- fascinating journey to meet the tree, to learn from population increases, this car- ers, depending on the number and itself. During the 1930s, President ture after mechanical damage. — greater effi ciency of later immune its science and mysteries, and to recall your bon repository is lost. This is why kinds of trees that make up a forest. Franklin D Roosevelt of the United Walking through the giant red- system responses, making ‘connected’ own life’s trees — a tree that thrilled you with we need to continue planting trees The overstory and subcanopies form States initiated a system of planting wood forests of the Sierra Nevada trees stronger against disease its blossom or fruit. A tree that sheltered you of appropriate species in the appro- a complex ecosystem — each layer windbreaks to ameliorate the blow- mountains is always an awe-inspir- Scientists fi nd injured trees even in a storm. A tree that calmed a storm inside priate places where they can prosper, may have a myriad of dependent crea- ing away of top soil in the ‘dust bowl’ ing experience for me. There is mag- use these networks to transfer their you. A tree that might not live anymore, unless which includes cities, parks and wild tures, like insects, birds, mammals areas, from North Dakota to Texas. nificent science at work here. Yet, as carbon deposits to younger trees — you help protect it. For, with every conserved land areas. As Gifford Pinchot, who, and other organisms, that add to the Tree crowns are the basis for this I walk amidst these forests, I also which is important knowledge and rejuvenated tree, we are simply protecting along with Henry Solon Graves, was biodiversity of trees and forests. effect. In the winter, going into a for- remember the words of Joyce Kilm- in countering climate change our only home, Earth, healing it, so it nurtures the founder of the Yale University The existence of canopies also est seems warmer because of the er, “I think that I shall never see a Research: National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, our loved ones. Forestry School, said, “The forests explains how forests accumulate ni- reduction of wind. In the summer, poem lovely as a tree…” TED, BBC, Yale Environment 360 Journal ‘I’ve seen ancient, immortal trees — these face dangers now’ Courtesy: Beth Moon Beth Moon is a celebrated photographer, famed NATURE’S INFINITE ANTIQUITY: for her collections capturing the world’s oldest trees. An ancient baobab tree in Senegal is also the heart of its village community Speaking to Srijana Mitra Das at Times Evoke, Moon discussed the sheer majesty and endurance of yew trees that compete for the ‘oldest tree’ title with bristlecone pines can these antiquities — and what threatens them today: exist for 4,000 years. They could be con- sidered immortal. What drew you to photograph the world’s What I didn’t realise was that I would be With time and age, large yew trunks most ancient trees? recording their deaths within my life- also often become hollow. The tree sends I find great solace in the beauty of the time. I have witnessed first-hand the down an aerial root to support the crown natural world. I believe there is a value disease that is wiping out ancient olive and the root will eventually develop into in sharing the appreciation of nature. I trees in southern Italy. I saw a dwindling a firm new trunk. Astonishingly, this chose monumental, iconic trees, hoping number of quiver trees in Namibia, and regenerative tactic allows the tree to to draw attention to the environment. likewise, a declining growth of dragon’s rebuild itself from the inside out! blood trees in Yemen. Most recently, I What did you learn from the trees you was horrified by the deaths of so many Which is the most stunning tree you have photographed? of the oldest baobab trees in the south- seen? At the beginning of the project, I was ern countries of Africa. I love each tree in its own way for impressed with the size and resilience I have learnt that we must find a solu- different reasons. However, I will high- the trees demonstrated over time. I saw tion to the dangers of the climate crisis light this gigantic baobab from a recent them as strong and formidable. Fast- we are in. We must inspire action and trip to Senegal. The first day I visited, forward to 20 years later into the project. work for change now. I understood how central the tree was Courtesy: Beth Moon to village life and the community. Many people gathered to talk and share news under its massive outstretched branch- es. The innermost cavity of the trunk was hollow, and I was able to crawl inside, following a maze of open passages, right into the centre of the tree. The inside walls were smooth to the touch, like polished marble, and as I looked up, I saw bats hanging from a central ceiling high above me. I returned the next day before dawn, hoping to have some time alone with How does the force of survival reflect in is astounding, a ghost forest seemingly Is there a sense of time in your art? the tree. I set up my tripod and waited your photographs? at the top of the world! Their growth is Well, the life span of a tree is unique for the first rays of morning light. I was Well, bristlecone pines are an excellent stunted by a lack of water. These trees to the species. What does the term lucky to visit in the middle of October example of endurance and the ability to live in extreme conditions — and yet, ‘ancient’ even mean? Some oaks can when the tree was laden with fruit — I grow in an extreme environment. High they have an astonishing capacity for reach 1,000 years — as the saying goes, think there were millions of seed pods in the White Mountains of the Inyo endurance. Their longevity comes, in 300 years growing, 300 years living and hanging from its branches. I enjoyed National Forest live many windswept, part, from the nature of the wood, which 300 years dying. this tree as the dawn broke and the vil- gnarled bristlecone pines — they are is extremely durable. A bristlecone pine Giant sequoias can live for 3,000 lagers approached their peanut fields MILLENNIA OF MYSTERY: Enduring the harshest conditions, baobab trees have survived over 4,000 years old. The overwhelming can last for centuries, their very forms, years, fast-growing kapoks can reach in carts, that giant baobab standing on Earth for thousands of years sight of these strange, contorted trees a testament to their strength. gigantic proportions at 60 years, while there amidst it all.

biodiversity and climate change. Based on our research, the Unit- ‘We can restore one trillion trees — this ed Nations’ Trillion Tree Campaign has been launched to encourage people all around the world to re- A tree produces up to Trees are fi lters for dust, store trees. Many of the largest companies and governments are 250 pounds of oxygen smoke and harmful gases will powerfully slow down climate change’ pledging funding to support people per year — between — their leaves absorb in restoring healthy, diverse forests. 1990-2007, forests nitrogen oxide, sulphurs, Tom Crowther is an acclaimed ecosystem We need to support a huge global also absorbed about etc, through the same movement to protect and re- one-third of global stomata that absorbs CO2 ecologist, head of the Crowther Lab at ETH Zurich store the world’s forests. This fossil fuel emissions is an opportunity for all of us Tree leaves cool and chief scientific adviser to the United Nations’ to get involved. Computational the atmosphere via Trillion Tree Campaign. Speaking to Times Evoke, modelling studies fi nd evapotranspiration — this Crowther discussed how reforestation can How do you envision that trees can reduce process releases moisture into achieve much better planetary health: balancing economic particulate matter (PM) the air. A large oak tree, for demands with eco- from 7% to over 20% instance, can transpire upto logical rejuvena- 40,000 gallons of water into Why does your research focus inten- tion? Trees reduce the atmosphere in one year sively on trees? Restoration temperatures Trees store away Well, it’s almost impossible to list FOREST must be socially COVER (%) between 2-8 carbon dioxide (CO ) all the thousands of benefits that responsible. It 2 degrees Celsius Providing a home to trees provide to support life on 100 must not come through carbon hundreds of species, a Earth — they provide clean air and at the expense sequestration — a tree can hold upto 800 Stanford University study water and food and medicines for 0 of local commu- humans, they stabilise the soil nities. However, pounds of CO2 per year found that adding one to avoid erosion, they support when it’s done single tree to a pasture thousands of species, they right, the restora- increased a region’s produce oxygen that we need tion of ecosystems can diverse bird species to breathe and they capture Data adapted from Hansen et al 2013, Science; Courtesy: Crowther Lab bring countless economic from near 0 to 80 carbon from the atmosphere for building healthy soil that currently losing about 10 billion benefits because trees enhance soil to help slow climate change. supports life and stores carbon for trees every year — this is speeding fertility and water storage that Scientifi c studies fi nd over a long time. climate change and biodiversity promotes the growth of other Why is the relationship between loss. But we’ve found that there is crops — that’s why agroforestry time, human beings have trees, soil and fungi crucial? Your research maps forest data room for about one trillion new represents a very exciting oppor- cut down at least 46% of the Trees live in association with globally. What are some of your trees in the degraded regions of tunity to restore trees while trees on Earth — between thousands of microorganisms in most important findings? the world that we are not current- increasing agricultural yields. 1990 and 2016 alone, over the soil. This includes fungi that There are currently about three ly using for agricultural or urban With funding from the Trillion 1.3 million square kilometres the trees need to survive. When Many a heart leaps upon trillion trees on Earth — we think land — if we restored those trees, Tree Campaign as well, we hope of forests have been felled sighting the Mangifera trees capture carbon from the this number has fallen by almost we could capture 100-200 gigatons more people will be able to receive Research: National Geographic, Environment Protection indica plant, also known Agency, American Forests, BBC, Royal Society of atmosphere, much of that carbon half since the start of of carbon from the atmosphere the support they need to restore Chemistry, Stanford University, United Nations enters the soil to feed those micro- as the mango tree human civilisation. We were also over the rest of the century, which diverse forests around the world. organisms, which are responsible very worried to find that we are would have a huge impact on This benefits us all. Graphic: Sajeev Kumarapuram