With a little bit of help, I think we can all remember that turning point in Macbeth when Burnham Wood to Dunsinane Hill did come. Well, that was then, and this is now. And now, the woods appear to be moving-- for real.
I was alerted by a post on The Cottage Life that quite significant changes have been documented in our hardiness zones and, indeed--our woods are on the move. Thus began a websploration revealing fascinating maps, facts, and opportunities to make a difference. Stick with me and I'll explain.
Consistent with observations of global warming, the U.S. hardiness zones reported every 10 years by the National Arbor Day Foundation (based on data from NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) are shifting northward. Ten different temperature zones have been established to help people select the right trees to plant in their area, and the latest update shows an undeniable warming. As the maps below show, significant portions of many states have shifted 1 zone, and some have shifted 2 zones, from 1996 to 2006. There's even a quick animation showing the changes.
Should this be of concern? I certainly think so, as it represents a tangible manifestation of climate change that will, in coming years, affect us all.
Can we do anything about it? The answer, again, is yes. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, proactive planting of trees is a way for most everyone to help counteract global warming. Think about some of the benefits trees provide (see the NADF's press release):
- A single tree can remove more than a ton of CO2 over its lifetime.
- Shade provided by a healthy tree provides a cooling effect equal to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours per day.
- Trees reduce the 'heat island' effect in urban areas.
- They can also slow cold winter winds, thus reducing the need for winter heating.
What you can do...
For starters, you can visit the web site of the National Arbor Day Foundation. You'll find plenty of helpful information, delivered in a very organized way. There's a learning section with education for all ages, tree identification guides, and care tips. There's a shopping section, with everything from trees themselves, to books, memberships, and gift ideas. And also a get involved section, with ways to join the Foundation, get free trees, investigate corporate partnerships, and plan your own Arbor Day 2007 celebration.
Arbor Day 2007 is this month!
Not coincidentally, my websploration led right to kickoff site for Arbor Day 2007, which is coming up later this month on April 27th (most states celebrate on or around this day...check yours here). Everything you'd want to know about the history, activities, celebrations, awards, classroom events, and--naturally--tree planting events surrounding this day appears to be there.
One thing that jumped out at me was a great selection of free e-cards that you can send to alert your friends to the issues and opportunities that can come from connecting their eConsiousness with one of our greatest natural resources. Trees.
The bottom line to all this? There will certainly be some among us--Macbeth afficionados included--who claim that woods and temperature zones have shifted throughout the millennia, and will argue against a global warming cause. Well, I would argue that I'm not going to take any chances, and I'll be planting my part of the solution this Arbor day. How about you?