Fighting the Climate Crisis One Step at a Time
- Amelia Ryan
- May 2, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 30, 2024
In the last 100 years the global average surface temperature has increased by more than 0.9 °C resulting in the melting of sea ice, rising sea-levels, and an increase in the frequency of severe weather events. According to a recent survey, involving 1 million people in over 50 countries, almost two thirds of respondents view climate change as a global emergency.
It is arguably the greatest threat facing humanity today. As world leaders bicker amongst themselves trying to come up with some sort of ‘quick fix’, it can feel like actions as an individual are negligible or meaningless in the global fight against climate change.
Here at Treekly, we want to change that. We want to give control back to those who’s futures will undoubtedly be affected by the warming climate and provide them with a platform to make a positive change for future generations.
How? We turn your footsteps into forests.
Research continues to show reforestation has the greatest climate mitigation potential than any other natural climate solution, so the power of trees cannot be overlooked. Reducing our current carbon dioxide emissions is not enough, we must actively seek to remove it from the atmosphere if we are to keep warming within 1.5 °C.
The Treekly Forest is being planted in Mteza Creek, Kenya. In line with good reforestation practices, we plant native mangrove trees. These ‘ultimate giving trees’ are much more than bark and leaves, as they can store 2.5-6 times more carbon than terrestrial forests.
In the case of terrestrial trees, CO2 is released into the atmosphere when they die or from dead plant matter (rotting leaves). On the other hand, mangroves using their intertwined root system, trap carbon in waterlogged soil. This “blue carbon” can stay trapped there for thousands of years without being released into the atmosphere.
Mangroves have tangled roots which act as protection from harsh weather conditions. They rise above the ground giving them the nickname the “walking tree”.
Mangrove forests act as a ‘barrier’ between the coast and the shore. Their thick, tangled roots become submerged at high tides creating a sanctuary for marine life. In fact, around 75% of the world's tropical fish are born in the safety of the mangrove roots, which act as protection against hurricanes and other harsh weather conditions.
They are the only trees in the world that thrive in saltwater, a unique feature which is vital to the upkeep of the surrounding ecosystems, and reduce flooding and coastal erosion more effectively than any man-made system. Yet, human activity has caused a sharp decline in Mangrove forests in Kenya.
Did you know you can now take 'steps' to offset your carbon footprint whilst improving your health and wellbeing, and contribute to the health of the environment?
Treekly turns your footsteps into forests - automatically tracking your daily steps and rewarding you with trees. Each week, your aim is to hit the Treekly target of 5000 steps on 20 of 30 days. In return, one mangrove tree is planted on your behalf in the Treekly Forest in Moraharivo, on the island of Madagascar.
The Treekly app provides you with two dashboards. The first shows your Impact including tree tally, the other is your Health dashboard to view your steps and other health data metrics (depending on which device you have connected). Involve your friends, family and colleagues for some healthy competition to grow your own part of the forest, become more active and reduce your net CO2 impact.
Want to remove even more CO2 from the atmosphere? You can purchase one-off tree packs or monthly subscriptions allowing you to plant more and further offset your carbon footprint.
Available for both individuals and businesses, everyone can become a climate warrior and reduce their carbon footprint. So, start walking more and turn your footsteps into forests to change lives and help save the planet!
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