Trees are vital for life on earth. They give us oxygen, store carbon stabilise the soiland give life to the world's wildlife. They also provide us with the materials for toolsand shelter Not only are trees essential for life, but as the longest living species onearth, they give us a link between the past, present and future. It is critical thatwoodlands, rainforests and trees in urban settings, such as parks are preservedand sustainably managed across the world.The canopies of trees act as a physical filter, trapping dust and absorbingpollutants from the air. Each individual tree removes up to 1.7 kilos of pollutantsevery year. They also provide shade from solar radiation and reduce noise. Treesabsorb carbon dioxide as they grow and the carbon that they store in their woodhelps slow the rate of global warming.They reduce wind speeds and cool the air as they lose moisture and reflect heatupwards from their leaves. It is estimated that trees can reduce the temperature ina city by up to 7°C. Trees also help prevent flooding and soil erosion absorbingthousands of litres of stormwaterTrees host complex microhabitats. When young, they ofter habitation and food tolarge communities of birds, insects, lichen and fling when ancient their trunksalso provide the hollow cover needed by species such as his woodloring beetles.owls and woodpeckers. One mature tree can be home to as many as 500 differentSpeciesResearch shows that within minutes of being surrounded by trees and green space.your blood pressure drops, your heart rate slows and your stress levels comedown. Soon, for the first time in history, the number of people living in cities willoutstrip those living in the countryside Parks and trees will become an even morevital component of urban life. We must respect them and protect them for thefuture.​