Trees play a significant role in balancing the ecosystem
Trees are crucial in balancing the ecosystem. Through a process called photosynthesis, trees enable living organisms to survive and thrive by providing oxygen.
Trees also help reduce the rate of global warming. They absorb carbon dioxide and store carbon in large quantities; decrease temperature by cooling the air and reflecting heat from their leaves; and prevent soil erosion and flooding by soaking up thousands of litres of storm-water.
In forests, trees provide habitat to a variety of flora and fauna. Sarawak’s tropical rainforest, for example, has one of the greatest biodiversity in the world.
Some trees even have certain valuable resources; for instance, the Karas trees are known for producing agarwood or gaharu, which can be used in perfume-making and industries including pharmaceutical and furniture.
Given our reliance on them for materials in industries or fuel in heating and cooking, it is important that we preserve and manage our trees sustainably, be it in the forests or in urban settlements.
