The Editor,
On Wednesday (Feb. 23), I protested the removal of the mature trees on Pinetree Way and Glen Drive even though the development couldn’t be stopped at this stage.
I wanted to draw attention to climate change.
Every action the city takes should be viewed through the lens of the effects on global warming.
One mature tree absorbs 22 kilos of CO2 [carbon dioxide] every year. Deforestation contributes 10 per cent of the world’s CO2 emissions. Transportation – I believe, 27 per cent. One fossil fuel car emits 4,600 kilos of CO2 each year.
That beautiful mature tree that was cut down probably sequestered one ton of carbon. They are the lungs of our city. I am a urban planner not a scientist, and I know the city could require developers to design their condo tower around a few trees.
They do not have to level the site of all trees, vegetation and small animals. Many cities have done this to the delight of their citizens.
We could have a more sustainable city – cleaner air and more shade.
The city planners seems to close their eyes to the heat dome that killed 14 citizens and to the ever increasing CO2 levels. We should get serious about global warming-not fanatical, just take prudent steps.
- Yvonne Harris, Coquitlam
