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| Photo by Pisces Iscariot |
Cycling through the upper reaches of Greenwich park, it’s just getting light Sunday morning with the not-so-raging STORM Dennis blustering at my back, I’m reminded of the fallen tree that blocked the pathway at Catford during last week’s fearsome Storm Ciara!!!! (#itstheendoftheworld).
Considering the personal peril I may potentially be in now, I pedal slowly, assisted on occasion by the wind, looking up at the branches of these old chestnut trees (many have lived here for more than 400 years) I try and assess the danger: which of these branches look likely to snap under Dennis’ pressure?
These branches that fractal out into the grey like veins to capture the light during leafier seasons, or to ‘change Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen’ we are told.
For sure their extensive surface area is exposed to a lot of the atmosphere.
And suddenly I understand what that oversimplified statement is alluding to “Converting Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen”.
The trees aren’t just ‘converting’, no, there’s a deeper picture.
Am I the only fool who never thought more deeply about that?
My meagre retention of all that I learned during those tedious Science Lessons at high school informs me that every molecule of Carbon Dioxide is composed of 1 Carbon atom and 2 Oxygen atoms.
The tree takes the carbon but has no need for the Oxygen so those 2 atoms per molecule are expelled as by-product; handed over without charge to the atmosphere.
Fucking good deal if you ask me.
So, in effect, the tree’s primary goal is not a benevolent act of conversion but rather a Carbon harvest for the purpose of producing wood.
Of course, further reading of the scientific facts will render this explanation itself an oversimplification, but I am happy with the understanding that trees are vitally important to the survival of an atmosphere on this planet.
And before I get any more preachy about it can I just ask:
Why do storms require a name? Are we being encouraged to live in fear and hide indoors until they blow over?
Fuck that.
Considering the personal peril I may potentially be in now, I pedal slowly, assisted on occasion by the wind, looking up at the branches of these old chestnut trees (many have lived here for more than 400 years) I try and assess the danger: which of these branches look likely to snap under Dennis’ pressure?
These branches that fractal out into the grey like veins to capture the light during leafier seasons, or to ‘change Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen’ we are told.
For sure their extensive surface area is exposed to a lot of the atmosphere.
And suddenly I understand what that oversimplified statement is alluding to “Converting Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen”.
The trees aren’t just ‘converting’, no, there’s a deeper picture.
Am I the only fool who never thought more deeply about that?
My meagre retention of all that I learned during those tedious Science Lessons at high school informs me that every molecule of Carbon Dioxide is composed of 1 Carbon atom and 2 Oxygen atoms.
The tree takes the carbon but has no need for the Oxygen so those 2 atoms per molecule are expelled as by-product; handed over without charge to the atmosphere.
Fucking good deal if you ask me.
So, in effect, the tree’s primary goal is not a benevolent act of conversion but rather a Carbon harvest for the purpose of producing wood.
Of course, further reading of the scientific facts will render this explanation itself an oversimplification, but I am happy with the understanding that trees are vitally important to the survival of an atmosphere on this planet.
And before I get any more preachy about it can I just ask:
Why do storms require a name? Are we being encouraged to live in fear and hide indoors until they blow over?
Fuck that.
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