Want to know how you can help produce nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year?

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), in partnership with Coillte, have launched a nationwide tree planting initiative as part of Science Week 2019. Focussing on climate action, Science Week 2019 is seeking to help people understand climate change, how science and technology can help us create a positive climate future and the impact we as individuals can have on climate change.

To support this Science Week initiative Coillte are providing 30,000 trees to be planted nationwide, will contribute to the national effort of planting 440million trees by 2040.  It’s estimated that an average tree at full maturity can store up to 48 pounds of carbon each year making a significant positive climate impact.

There are a number of ways to get involved:

• Plant a tree at home – visit www.scienceweek.ie to find out what trees do for our environment, which trees suit the Irish ecosystem the best and how-to best plant trees at home.
• Look out for tree planting events taking place across the country in conjunction with the 13 Science Week Festivals, the Tree Council of Ireland and Easy Treesie.
• Donate to one of the many tree planting organisations in Ireland or worldwide on www.trilliontreecampaign.org/t/easy-treesie
• Get outdoors and enjoy Ireland’s forests and walking trails.

All information can be found on www.scienceweek.ie.

Trees are essential to our ecosystem, as they reduce carbon and release oxygen into the atmosphere. The Trillion Trees initiative drives the global movement behind tree planting forward and the Irish public are being encouraged to get involved and plant a tree this Science Week.

Commenting on Science Week, Dr Ruth Freeman, Director Science for Society Science Foundation Ireland said: “Science Foundation Ireland is delighted to invite the people of Ireland to take part in Science Week, from learning about why trees can play a significant part in our response to climate change, to having the opportunity to enjoy science at the many engaging events across the county. Science Week is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Ireland to discover, create and engage with science.”

Mark Carlin, Managing Director of Coillte said: “We are extremely proud to partner with Science Foundation Ireland for this exciting climate action initiative.  Trees play a vital role in sustaining our environment, economy and communities, and I greatly welcome the work that teachers and parents do to engage young people in growing a greater understanding of the science of trees and the important role they play in climate change. For this year’s Science Week, we have donated over 30,000 trees, such as; oak, birch, alder, and willow to the Science Festival, and we hope that the planting of these trees will start conversations around the country about the benefits of both trees and well managed forests taking on climate change.”

Sites dedicated for tree planting during Science Week 2019 have been provided by SFI Science Week Festivals, Discover Centres and Research Centres, the Office of Public Works, Easy Treesie and the Tree Council of Ireland.