Bee Cool – Plant Trees!
As part of our Bee-Aware project we did a little experiment to assess the impact of trees on the surrounding environment temperature. We called it “Bee Cool – Plant Trees!”
Move the slider left and right to compare temperature readings
On Thursday 20th July, at 1:20pm, the sun was scorching hot – with the mercury reading 39°C (in the shade!) Nonetheless, our fearless team of youngsters were not afraid to go out and brave the elements, with a noble cause in mind – to prove that planting trees is cool!
The plan was to find two streets close to each other, one with trees along its sides and one barren of any greenery. We agreed on Valley Road, Birkirkara and Old Railway Track, Santa Venera – a mere 175 meters apart, as the crow flies.
Now we have to admit that we are no qualified scientists, but we tried to apply all the knowledge we collectively acquired through years of secondary level science experiments and general knowledge. Although our experiment will not be published in a scientific journal any time soon, it should give a good indication of the effect trees have on providing some relief from the scorching heat of the Mediterranean summer.
In each street we took a number of readings and then took an average for each of the following:
- Street tarmac
- Pavement
- Wall
- Light coloured vehicle
- Dark coloured vehicle
The results may surprise you:
So there you have it – PLANTING TREES IS COOL!
Trees offer numerous benefits, playing a vital role in combating climate change and mitigating heatwaves. Emphasising tree-planting efforts can enhance resilience against extreme heat, foster biodiversity, and contribute to a sustainable future amidst climate challenges. So, Bee Cool – Plant Trees!
And for the aspiring scientists:
Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping offset greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming. Through photosynthesis, trees convert CO2 into oxygen, enhancing air quality and reducing the heat-trapping effect. During heatwaves, they provide essential shade, lowering temperatures and reducing the urban heat island effect in cities. Moreover, through transpiration, trees release water vapor, naturally cooling the air.
The Bee-Aware initiative
Read about the Bee-Aware project to learn about the importance of pollinators such as bees and what you can do to help against their decline.
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