One of Baguio City’s most distinguishing features is its pine trees. Sadly, the city of pines is losing more of it faster than we can count. Overdevelopment has conquered the once huge green spaces of the city and greatly reduced its forest cover. In fact, according to reports, only 28% of Baguio City’s 5,750-hectare land area is left covered with the remaining 2.5 million trees in the city. 14% of this is composed of pine trees.

More than providing beautiful sights, these trees do so much more for us that should urge us to help protect, propagate, and nurture them more. And sometimes, we need to be reminded of that. Here are some of the environmental benefits that Baguio’s pine trees give us.

Reduces Air Pollution

Each of the mature Baguio pine trees absorbs 45 lbs of CO2 while releasing the same amount of oxygen each year. Given that, it would take four trees to supply the needed oxygen of a single human being each year. They also absorb other air pollutants such as methane, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxides and prevents them from further rising up into the atmosphere by storing them in their roots.

Provides Weather Barriers

The city is often plagued with storms and Baguio pine trees help keep the city safe from these weather hazards in a lot of ways. Their roots help hold the soil in place and the layer of pine needles on the forest floor helps soften the impact of the rains. The pine trees also act as protection against strong winds. These prevent soil erosion, devastating landslides, and other weather-related accidents that Baguio City is prone to.

Cools Temperature

Baguio hasn’t been as cold as it once was in previous years. And one of the reasons for that is the dwindling tree population. According to Eurasiareview, clumps of Baguio pine trees can reduce mid-day temperature by 0.2 degrees C to 1.3 degrees C. This is because while they absorb oxygen, the trees also absorb radiation and heat which comes from the city. This allows for energy conservation which in turn lowers the number of harmful emissions to our atmosphere.

Provides Wildlife Habitat

Pine trees provide homes and nesting places for birds and other small wildlife to take cover from the weather and predators. They also provide food for these creatures and overall helps them to survive and flourish despite the human encroachment to their natural habitats.