Carbon Storage: Planting Trees vs. Protecting Old Forests

Provided by: The Kid Should See This |Published on: July 21, 2022

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Synopsis

This video and article explains research indicating that old growth forests are more effective at storing carbon than young forests.
The researcher advocates for protecting forests with the oldest trees, to serve as carbon storage reserves to help combat climate change.
The video describes why newly planted trees are often a carbon source due to respiration and soil activity, whereas old growth forests serve to store carbon with their dense canopy of photosynthesizing leaves.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Biology

Authors: The Kid Should See This, PBS Terra

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

This video uncovers an interesting perspective on why protecting old forests is more effective at storing carbon in the short-term, compared to planting trees.
Many students may not have conceptualized that trees respire and emit carbon dioxide, which can be enlightening for them.
The video features a female researcher that describes how data can help inform decisions related to climate change and protecting ecosystems.
Additional resources and links are provided at the bottom of the webpage to help students explore the topic.

Additional Prerequisites

Students should have a basic understanding of a carbon budget, including the terms carbon storage, respiration, and photosynthesis.

Differentiation

Consider having students make predictions of whether planting a young forest or protecting an old forest is more effective in combating climate change before watching the video.
A graphic organizer detailing a forest's carbon budget, or a visual of the carbon cycle could be helpful for students as they view this video.
Biology students could connect this resource to lessons about cellular respiration, photosynthesis, ecosystems, energy transfers in trophic levels, and metabolism.
Additional resources that pair well with this video are Why Does This Scientist Shoot Lasers at Trees and the Global Forest Watch Interactive Map.

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The Kid Should See This

The Kid Should See This is a Webby award-winning collection of over 7,000 kid-friendly videos, curated for teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media in the classroom and at home. Selections are grown-up-friendly, too. And thanks to TKSST members, it’s free and ad-free for everyone. Start conversations, spark questions, and inspire offline exploration for all ages.

Scientist Reviewed

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Carbon Storage: Planting Trees vs. Protecting Old Forests

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

About the Partner Provider

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources