Restoring the hydrologic cycle can play a significant role in mitigating climate change.  The hydrologic cycle refers to the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, including processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. Here’s how restoring the hydrologic cycle can contribute to reversing climate change:

Carbon Sequestration: Healthy forests, wetlands, and soils are vital for the hydrologic cycle. Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide (a major greenhouse gas) during photosynthesis and store it in their biomass and in the soil. Restoring forests and wetlands enhances carbon sequestration, reducing the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide and helping to mitigate global warming.

Cooling Effect: Evapotranspiration, the combined process of water evaporation from surfaces and transpiration from plants, has a cooling effect on the environment. As water evaporates, it absorbs heat energy from the surroundings, which can help regulate local and regional temperatures.

Cloud Formation and Albedo: Increased evaporation contributes to cloud formation. Clouds reflect sunlight back into space, which can have a cooling effect on the planet (known as the albedo effect). This can counteract some of the warming caused by greenhouse gases.

Enhanced Precipitation: Restoring healthy vegetation and natural landscapes can lead to increased local and regional precipitation. This can be particularly beneficial in arid regions, where increased rainfall can support ecosystems and agriculture.

Preventing Soil Erosion: Healthy vegetation and proper land management practices can prevent soil erosion. Erosion contributes to the release of stored carbon in the soil and reduces soil fertility. By preventing erosion, carbon remains locked in the soil and can continue to sequester carbon dioxide.

Flood and Drought Mitigation: A well-functioning hydrologic cycle can help regulate water availability. Restoring wetlands and natural water storage systems can help prevent floods by absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall, and can release water during dry periods to alleviate droughts.

Biodiversity Conservation: The hydrologic cycle is closely tied to ecosystem health. By restoring habitats, protecting watersheds, and preserving biodiversity, we support ecosystems’ resilience to climate change impacts.

Sustainable Water Management: Efficient water management practices, such as capturing rainwater and implementing water-saving technologies, can reduce the stress on freshwater resources and support both human needs and ecosystems.

It’s important to note that while restoring the hydrologic cycle can have positive impacts on mitigating climate change, it’s not a standalone solution. Addressing climate change requires a holistic approach that includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and implementing various adaptation and mitigation strategies across sectors. Additionally, the effectiveness of restoring the hydrologic cycle depends on various factors, including regional climate conditions, land use practices, and the extent of restoration efforts.  To learn more about how you can restore the hydrologic cyclin in your area visit:  Water Stories and Rainwater Harvesting.

Hydrologic Cycle image courtesy of H2O Distributors

Climate change models are complex computer-based tools used by scientists to simulate and understand the Earth’s climate system and make projections about future climate conditions. These models are essential for studying the potential impacts of climate change and for informing policy decisions. Watch a TedX video on Climate Modeling Here.  Here’s an overview of how climate change models work:

Basic Components of Climate Models:

1. • Atmosphere: Climate models simulate the behavior of the Earth’s atmosphere by dividing it into a three-dimensional grid. Various equations are used to describe the physical processes governing atmospheric behavior, including fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and radiative transfer.
   • Ocean: Models also include representations of the ocean, which is another crucial component of the Earth’s climate system. Ocean models simulate the movement of water masses, heat, and other properties in the world’s oceans.
   • Land Surface: The land surface, including vegetation and soil, is an integral part of climate models. These models include representations of land processes, such as evaporation, transpiration, and heat exchange with the atmosphere.
   • Sea Ice: Climate models account for the presence and behavior of sea ice in polar regions. They simulate processes like ice formation, melting, and movement.
   • Coupling: Climate models couple these various components together, allowing them to interact with each other. For example, changes in the atmosphere can influence ocean currents, and vice versa.

Numerical Methods:

1. • Climate models rely on numerical methods to solve the complex equations governing the physical processes. These methods involve breaking down time and space into discrete steps and grid cells, which are then solved iteratively to simulate the behavior of the climate system over time.

Input Data:

1. • Climate models require extensive input data, including historical observations of temperature, precipitation, greenhouse gas concentrations, and other climate-related variables. These data help initialize the model and validate its performance.

Forcing Scenarios:

1. • To project future climate change, models use different scenarios of future greenhouse gas emissions and other relevant factors, known as “forcing scenarios.” These scenarios include different assumptions about future human activities, such as population growth, energy use, and technological advancements.

Validation and Calibration:

1. • Climate models are tested against historical climate data to ensure they can accurately reproduce past climate variability and trends. Model calibration is an ongoing process to improve their performance.

Simulation and Projections:

1. • Once validated, climate models are used to simulate future climate conditions under various scenarios. These projections provide insights into how the Earth’s climate may change in response to different levels of greenhouse gas emissions and other factors.

Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis:

1. • Climate models incorporate uncertainty analysis to account for the inherent uncertainty in modeling the climate system. Scientists conduct sensitivity analyses to understand how different parameters and processes affect model results.

Peer Review and Improvement:

1. • Climate models and their results undergo rigorous peer review within the scientific community. Feedback from experts helps improve the models and increase confidence in their projections.

It’s important to note that climate models are continually refined and updated as our understanding of the climate system and our ability to collect data improve. They are valuable tools for assessing the potential consequences of climate change and informing climate policy decisions.

To learn more on the basics of climate modeling, read this USDA article here.

In 2013, we purchased the 28 acres that is now the Vernonia Springs private park property.  Managing this forestland, and watching how other forestland owners in the area manage their property has been quite an education.  I was a member of the Upper Nehalem Watershed Council for eight years and acted as chairman for two of those years.  My experience on the UNWC provided me with insight into how watershed councils and large timber companies interact.  I now have a very good understanding of how timber companies manage their industrial forest land.

The forest management methodology used at Vernonia Springs is an uneven age harvest approach with high diversity replanting.  Bottom line is we selectively log the property, but ensure a complete forest canopy is present at all times.  No trees are ever harvested that are less than 75 years old.  We then replant with multiple species of trees and plants to promote as much biodiversity as possible.  Trees are planted using spacing that ensures they will have room to grow properly.  We believe in the Menominee Forest Keepers approach to forest management. 

The USDA reported that “Economically, uneven age-managed stands have produced periodic revenue that resulted in higher net present values than either clearcut or unharvested stands, and, unlike more exploitive procedures, did not deplete the residual stand value.”  Read the USDA Article Here.

Columbia County where Vernonia Springs is located, is now essentially a privately owned tree farm (Weyerhaeuser, Simpson, etc.).  After watching how most of these private timberland owners manage their properties, it was an easy and obvious decision to not to clearcut our property.  Watch clearcut video here.  The practice of clear-cutting, steep slope logging, cutting timber close to streams, etc. just was not going to be part of our forest management plan.  Our goal is to work with nature, not against it.

It is a painful experience watching a forest being clear-cut.  Clear-cutting leaves behind complete environmental destruction to what was once a thriving ecosystem providing habitat to countless numbers of plants, trees, animals and many other organisms.  Watch This Video to see the difference between clear-cutting and selective harvest forest management.  After the timber has been clear-cut, next comes aerial spraying of the freshly cut land with herbicides to ensure that any remaining vegetation is killed and not able to regrow.  The following year, hybrid douglas fir seedlings will be planted closely to ensure as many trees per acre as possible. Unfortunately, replanting trees using this methodology can result in acidification of the soil (from all of the fir needles covering the forest floor with no other plant life), minimization of biodiversity, and groundwater depletion.  Just replanting a monoculture of trees does not mean a healthy forest will follow later on.  In fact, large-scale monoculture tree planting can be harmful or have minimal positive effects for the forest or on climate change mitigation.  Read BBC Article to learn more.

Dehydration of the soil, top soil erosion and elimination of the forest canopy above streams and rivers negatively impacts fish populations by reducing water volume, increasing turbidity, and increasing water temperatures.  Salmon in all fisheries in the Pacific Northwest are now in danger of extinction.

Leaving forests intact is a critical part of the solution to fight climate change.  Learn More Here From OSU Dept. of Forestry.  There is a win-win solution available where we can harvest our forests sustainably to meet wood product demand while also leaving behind a functioning ecosystem that is required to provide the services humans and other organisms need to survive in the future.  Humans have deforested half of the planet.  It is now time to face the reality of this moment and start working with nature and not against it.  To learn more about how forests are the most important solution to fight climate change, read This Article from The Nature Conservancy. 

In an era of climate change and increasing concerns about food security, agroforestry or food forests have emerged as a sustainable and innovative solution. These edible landscapes, are designed to mimic natural ecosystems and provide a diverse range of edible plants, trees, and shrubs. Food forests offer numerous benefits, including mitigating climate change, promoting biodiversity, enhancing food security, and fostering community well-being. This article explores the potential of food forests in combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable and secure food supply.

The Concept of Food Forests

Food forests are agricultural systems that replicate the structure and function of natural forests. They consist of multiple layers, including a canopy of fruit and nut trees, an understory of shrubs and perennials, and ground covers. This multi-layered design maximizes productivity by utilizing vertical space and creating a diverse and resilient ecosystem. The combination of companion planting, natural mulching, and plant diversity makes food forests low-maintenance, productive, and adaptable to various climates.

To learn how you can create your own food forest visit Terra Vida Academy here.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

One of the key advantages of food forests is their ability to mitigate climate change. Trees in food forests sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The deep root systems of trees improve water retention in the soil, reducing the risk of droughts and floods. Additionally, food forests provide natural cooling and shade, reducing the energy demand for cooling indoor spaces and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

Enhancing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

Food forests play a vital role in promoting biodiversity and supporting ecosystem services. By mimicking natural ecosystems, food forests provide habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. This supports pollinators such as bees and butterflies, aiding in the pollination of crops and enhancing agricultural productivity. The diverse plant species in food forests also attract beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife, contributing to pest control and ecological balance.

Ensuring Food Security and Local Food Systems

Food forests offer a sustainable solution to food security challenges, particularly in urban areas where access to fresh and nutritious food can be limited. By providing a diverse range of edible plants, food forests enhance local food production and reduce dependence on long-distance transportation of food. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also ensures a more resilient and secure food supply. The open-access nature of food forests allows the community to harvest and enjoy the abundance of fresh produce, fostering a sense of food sovereignty and community well-being.

Case Study: The Beacon Food Forest in Seattle

The Beacon Food Forest in Seattle serves as an inspiring example of a successful food forest project. This community-driven initiative transformed a seven-acre plot of land into an edible landscape that provides fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables to the local community. The Beacon Food Forest incorporates a multi-layered design, with a canopy of fruit trees, an understory of berry bushes and edible perennials, and ground covers. The project engages volunteers, educational institutions, and community organizations, fostering a sense of ownership and promoting sustainable food practices.

Case Study: The Festival Beach Food Forest in Austin

Another notable example is the Festival Beach Food Forest (FBFF) in Austin, Texas. This project, in collaboration with various organizations and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, aims to transform underutilized land into an edible landscape. The FBFF incorporates fruit and nut trees, shrubs, and perennials, offering the community access to fresh and locally grown produce. The initiative highlights the importance of community involvement, education, and partnerships in developing successful food forest projects.

Scaling Up: The Potential of Food Forests

As the concept of agroforestry and food forests gains momentum, there is increasing recognition of their potential to address global challenges such as climate change, food security, and ecosystem degradation. Scaling up food forest projects requires policy support, land availability, and community engagement. Governments and urban planners can play a crucial role in promoting the establishment of food forests by providing incentives, land resources, and educational programs. Collaboration between local communities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies is essential for the successful implementation of food forest initiatives.

Conclusion

Food forests offer a promising solution to the challenges posed by climate change and food security. These innovative and sustainable agricultural systems provide multiple benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced food production. By integrating food forests into urban landscapes, communities can enjoy access to fresh and nutritious food while promoting ecological resilience and fostering a sense of community. As we strive for a more sustainable and secure future, food forests have the potential to transform our cities and rural communities into vibrant and resilient ecosystems that nurture both people and the planet.

To learn how you can create your own food forest visit Terra Vida Academy here.