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I hate to share this with you but humans roughly cut 27 trees per minute in the world! In my opinion, we are losing these precious resources in the desire to build concrete empires. While Trees are the green lungs of the Earth, there are also other components on our planet which provide us with oxygen in some or the other way. Are we also threatening their existence? Let's explore the earth's oxygen suppliers more!
Everything you need to know about the Earth’s Oxygen Suppliers
There is no denial in the fact that oxygen is the most important element needed for any matter to survive on Earth. Nature has gifted us with natural oxygen hubs, ensuring us with its abundant supply. In addition to terrestrial plants such as trees, other components such as algae, phytoplankton, mushrooms and so on also contribute to the Earth’s oxygen supply. These oxygen givers play an important role in our ecosystem as they maintain life balance on the Earth. Let’s look at these components in detail below.
The Natural Oxygen Hubs on the Earth
Forests:
The trees are the green lungs of the Earth; during photosynthesis, their green leaves absorb carbon dioxide and in return, exhale oxygen in the atmosphere. This process is analogous to the function of our lungs, where we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Their carbon dioxide absorbing capacity helps in reducing greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere. This helps in fighting climate change. The leaves and bark of the trees also inhale harmful air pollutants such as Sulphur dioxide and exhale oxygen for us. Ferns and shrubs also produce oxygen during photosynthesis.
Although mosses and lichens may not contribute major oxygen to the Earth, their existence plays a key role in nature. With the help of sunlight, the leaves and stems of mosses absorb water and nutrients and release glucose and oxygen into the air. On the other hand, lichens grow on various surfaces such as rocks, tree barks and soil. Lichens produce oxygen with their photosynthetic partner, algae, while their fungal partner provides structure and protection.
Mushrooms are a type of fungi. They don’t have photosynthetic quality—they get energy from the decomposition of organic matter. They greatly contribute to the soil health of the forest. They help nourish the soil and enhance fertility. This fertile soil helps in the healthy growth of oxygen-producing plants. Thus, mushrooms indirectly support oxygen production in the ecosystem.
Aquatic Ecosystem:
Aquatic ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, ponds, seas and oceans also play crucial roles in contributing oxygen to the Earth. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Investigation (NOAA), oceans generate 50% of the oxygen on the planet. Winds, waves, and currents cause turbulence and mixing in the water. This process also generates oxygen in water. Such oxygen-rich surface waters come in contact with deeper layers. Waterfalls create natural turbulence, boosting oxygen levels in water.
Microscopic plants and macrophytes help release oxygen directly into the water. The photosynthetic plankton present on the surface of the ocean are very minute and invisible to our naked eye. Yet, they are champions in oxygen givers. As per the NOAA, they produce more oxygen than the largest redwoods. Phytoplankton are primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, utilizing sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic matter through photosynthesis, thereby generating oxygen as a byproduct.
Oceanic plankton such as drifting plants, algae, and some bacteria carry out photosynthesis. The smallest photosynthetic bacteria found on earth is Prochlorococcus. But this tiny helper produces up to 20% of the oxygen in our biosphere. This figure is way larger than the total tropical rainforests combined! Algae present in oceans, lakes, and rivers also photosynthesize and produce oxygen. Diatoms, green algae, and cyanobacteria also yield generous amounts of oxygen.
Macro algae and marsh vegetation such as seagrass, seaweed, and water lilies also add up to the list. These plants also inhale carbon dioxide and use nutrients from the water and exhale oxygen. The U.S. Naval Institute has reported that marine algae (seaweed and phytoplankton) can produce 70% of the oxygen we breathe.
Apart from this, coral reefs also play a crucial role in oxygen production. While the corals themselves do not produce oxygen directly, the symbiotic algae known as zooxanthellae live within coral tissues and perform photosynthesis. This process contributes to the oxygenation of the surrounding water and helps support the diverse marine life found in coral reef ecosystems.
How are humans posing a threat to the Earth’s Oxygen Suppliers?
In our relentless pursuit of progress and prosperity, we're unwittingly sabotaging our own future. Rapid, unsustainable human development is putting our natural oxygen sources at risk. With rising populations, we're encroaching on forests and wetlands, disrupting their delicate balance. Climate change adds fuel to the fire, leading to erratic weather patterns and devastating wildfires, further accelerating deforestation.
Meanwhile, pollution from anthropogenic or human activities like mining, overfishing, traffic congestion and so on is wreaking havoc on ecosystems, leading to a loss of biodiversity and threatening the very health of terrestrial and aquatic environments. It's high time we reevaluate our priorities and take urgent action to safeguard these vital ecosystems before it's too late.
What Can we do to Save them?
We can take the following steps to protect and conserve our natural oxygen givers:
We should discourage and strongly oppose people, organizations or any activities any actions that advocate for the indiscriminate felling of trees. I've noticed a disturbing trend, particularly during the summer months, where street trees are being chopped down citing reasons like "electricity and road maintenance repairs." As a community, we must unite to protect these trees from the axe. By voicing our concerns collectively and swiftly sharing them on social media and the internet, we can make a significant impact in preventing further loss of our green friends.
Forests are vital oxygen producers. Supporting reforestation efforts, preventing deforestation, and promoting sustainable forestry practices can help maintain healthy forest ecosystems.
Aquatic plants, such as phytoplankton, also contribute significantly to oxygen production. Strict actions should be taken against illegal encroachments on wetlands and lakes. The local authorities should not release untreated effluents and wastewater into any water bodies. Preventing pollution, conserving wetlands, and reducing overfishing can help protect these vital habitats.
There should be strict laws and regulations for imposing hefty fines on the industries producing air and water pollution. Also, there should be a proper waste management system to improve water, soil and air quality.
Ultimately, we need to raise awareness about climate change. Simple habits can help in mitigating the climate change. Reduce your carbon footprint by choosing to walk for a short distance over any vehicle. Turn off the electricity when you are not in the room. Use water carefully. Switch to renewable energy which helps in reducing greenhouse gases.
Encouraging sustainable land use practices, urban planning, and resource management helps preserve natural habitats and biodiversity, supporting oxygen production.
Bottom Line..
The Earth's oxygen providers, including forests, trees, oceans, and water bodies, are invaluable and vital to our survival. Terrestrial and marine ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining balance and harmony in our world. It's important to recognize that any harm posed to them could have serious consequences for us. By adopting simple measures to protect and conserve our environment, we can ensure their continued existence and well-being.
Share your thoughts on additional solutions to safeguard Earth's oxygen providers in the comments section below!
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