1
Liam Easey
Professor Buchanan
GEOG 1301
05 April 2023
Journal 5
Q1: It is fascinating to learn that trees can act as environmental harbingers and provide
valuable information about weather and climate patterns. It's amazing how the growth rings and
shapes of trees can reveal the historical climate of a particular area and predict future weather
events. Additionally, the way trees bend and move in response to wind and water can serve as
analogs for predicting atmospheric and coastal natural hazards.
Q2: According to the presenter, trees are trying to tell us about the changing climate and
the increased risk of natural disasters. People living in vulnerable areas such as coastal regions,
floodplains, and wildfire-prone areas are most at risk. The presenter emphasizes the need for
better communication and collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and communities to
respond to these environmental warnings.
Q3: Policymakers could use the information provided by trees to plan and implement
strategies for disaster preparedness and risk reduction. For example, local authorities could use
tree growth data to identify vulnerable areas and develop evacuation plans for communities at
risk of floods or landslides. Additionally, policymakers could use this information to promote
sustainable land use practices that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Q4: The most interesting insight in Clay Tucker's Ted presentation is the idea that trees
can be considered as a sort of "living laboratory" for studying climate change. By analyzing the
growth patterns and shapes of trees, we can learn about past climate conditions and predict future
natural disasters. This insight highlights the importance of using interdisciplinary approaches and
combining traditional scientific methods with innovative tools to tackle complex environmental
challenges.
Works Cited
