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Every old-growth forest should be protected and treasured. They are the well-springs of fertility that link the entire Earth back to our pre-industrial ecosyste
by MrMcCall 2y ago
Every old-growth forest should be protected and treasured. They are the well-springs of fertility that link the entire Earth back to our pre-industrial ecosystems.
And, of course, ground-working animals such as gophers should be valued for their role in helping to maintain the fecudity of the environment, whether they are ultra-polite or not ;-)
- dgfitz 2y agoI agree with you. By definition, recreating old things takes time. As stewards of this rock, we should tend to and protect what we have.
- chasil 2y agoAlas, any forest in the path of a volcanic eruption is beyond our ability to protect (for now). Perhaps one day, we will be able to do so.
- lukasb 2y agoIf you RTFA, they said that old growth forests managed to recover from the eruption.
- chasil 2y agoI did read the fine article, but the eruption there only deposited (high-temperature?) ash. In more extreme eruptions that involve molten lava or other more violent impacts, you will certainly agree that protection cannot be offered.
- BigGreenJorts 2y agoAllowing the forest to face an eruption, uninhibited, is probably what will keep it old. Most of these truly old ecosystems have developed with natural disasters common to the area in mind. Trees have to function on a centuries long timeline.
- sliken 2y agoThat would be selfish and terrible. The most productive farming in the USA is largely because of previous volcanic eruptions. Similarly the water cycle, subduction, earthquakes, floods, fires, and carbon cycle are what keeps soil healthy and allows for nutritious food. If you remove all that you end up with MUCH more energy intensive agriculture and an economic incentive to cheap out.