A seminar was held at the Kirkuk Technical Medical Institute entitled “The Importance of Trees and Their Impact on Lowering Temperatures and Purifying the Air”
Under the patronage of the President of the Northern Technical University, Professor Dr. Alia Abbas Ali Al-Attar, and under the direct supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Lizan Madhat Muhammad, Dean of the Kirkuk Technical Medical Institute. The Department of Community Health Technologies at the Kirkuk Technical Medical Institute, in cooperation with the Quality Assurance and University Performance Division, organized a seminar entitled “The Importance of Trees and Their Impact on Lowering Temperatures and Purifying the Air.” The lecture was delivered by:
1. Eng. Jalnak Hamid Mahmoud, Lecturer in the Department of Community Health Technologies
2. Asst. Col. Jamin Madhat Abdullah, Head of the Quality Assurance and University Performance Division
The seminar was attended by faculty and students from the scientific departments.
Objectives of the seminar:
1. Raise environmental awareness about the numerous benefits of trees in improving the climate and purifying the air.
2. Discuss the impact of trees on temperatures, especially in urban areas that suffer from rising temperatures due to urban expansion.
3. Highlighting the role of trees in purifying the air of pollutants and toxic gases.
4. Identifying the challenges facing trees in the face of climate change and ways to enhance their sustainability in the future.
Discussion session topics:
1- Trees and their role in reducing temperatures: The discussion began by highlighting how trees directly impact reducing temperatures in urban areas. Participants referred to the urban heat island phenomenon experienced by many major cities, where heat accumulates due to materials such as asphalt and concrete. Experts explained how trees provide natural shade that reduces the temperature of the surrounding environment. They also highlighted the importance of evaporation and transpiration in naturally cooling the atmosphere, as trees absorb water from the soil and then release it into the air as vapor, helping to reduce temperatures.
2- Air Purification: The role of trees in purifying the air of toxic gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides, as well as fine particles such as dust and exhaust fumes, was discussed. Experts explained that trees act as natural air filters, absorbing these gases and pollutants, contributing to improved air quality and reducing pollution levels. They also pointed to the photosynthesis carried out by trees to produce oxygen, which enhances human and animal health.
3- Trees and Their Impact on Biodiversity and the General Environment: The environmental role of trees in preserving biodiversity was discussed, as they provide habitat for many organisms such as birds, insects, and small animals. They also discussed how trees protect soil and prevent erosion, as their roots stabilize the soil and reduce erosion. Trees also contribute to improving water quality by filtering groundwater.
4- Challenges Facing Trees: Participants discussed the challenges facing trees under current conditions, such as urban expansion and widespread deforestation, which pose a direct threat to the environment. The effects of climate change on tree growth, such as rising temperatures and drought, were also addressed. Experts emphasized the importance of finding innovative solutions to protect trees and enhance their presence in urban areas. Recommendations and Suggestions:
1. Promoting tree planting in cities: Participants recommended increasing tree planting in cities and urban areas, and allocating more space for parks and urban forests. This will help reduce temperatures and improve air quality in large cities suffering from thermal and air pollution.
2. Encouraging planting in schools and homes: Awareness programs were proposed to encourage tree planting in schools and homes, and to teach children and youth how to care for trees and the importance of this activity in preserving the environment.
3. Providing environmental policies to protect trees: The need to enact environmental legislation to protect trees from excessive cutting and to regulate land use to ensure the preservation of forests and green spaces was emphasized.
4. Using technology in tree planting: It was proposed to use modern technologies, such as digital technology and artificial intelligence, to monitor and track the condition of trees and forests and identify areas in need of enhanced planting.
The panel discussion concluded with participants emphasizing that trees are not just a source of natural beauty, but are an essential element in combating climate change and improving our environment. The importance of concerted efforts between governments, institutions, and civil society was emphasized in protecting trees and raising awareness about their role in reducing temperatures and purifying the air. Finally, attendees were urged to take practical steps toward planting trees everywhere and providing the appropriate environment for their growth and sustainability.
