Singer / Songwriter / Lyrics / Music = Songs

• Im-Leaving-I.mp3
• Im-Leaving-I.mp4
• Im-Leaving-II.mp3
• Im-Leaving-II.mp4
• Im-Leaving-prequel-1.mp3
• Im-Leaving-prequel-1.mp4
• Im-Leaving-prequel-2.mp3
• Im-Leaving-prequel-2.mp4
• Im-Leaving-prequel-3.mp3
• Im-Leaving-prequel-3.mp4

[Intro]
I hate long good-byes
Though…
They’re better than short good-byes
Where everyone dies
(cries and dies)

[Verse 1]
I’m leaving…
Can’t stand here anymore
All my leaves,
Leaving
[Bridge]
Man’s stand’s clear
Ignore the cure

[Chorus]
Stop (Stop!) mass consumption
And, social deception (again and again)
Stop (Stop!) the exploitation
Save (Save!) the population
[Bridge]
Time you enslave
How you behave

[Verse 2]
You’re barking
Up the wrong tree
Embarking
On tragedy
[Bridge]
Can’t you see
Man’s stand’s clear
Ignore the cure

[Chorus]
Stop (Stop!) mass consumption
And, social deception (again and again)
Stop (Stop!) the exploitation
Save (Save!) the population
[Bridge]
Time you enslave
How you behave

[Outro]
I hate long good-byes
Though… you know….

The arboreal canopy, once lush and verdant, is now undergoing a significant decline. The mature trees, which serve as the keystone species of the forest ecosystem, are increasingly succumbing to anthropogenic pressures. This ecological imbalance has profound repercussions. The reduction in tree density allows invasive vines to proliferate, exploiting the increased sunlight to climb higher and envelop the remaining trees.

From the album “Wood You Save the Trees?” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

• Nice-Set-of-Lungs-I.mp3
• Nice-Set-of-Lungs-I.mp4
• Nice-Set-of-Lungs-II.mp3
• Nice-Set-of-Lungs-II.mp4
• Nice-Set-of-Lungs-guitar.mp3
• Nice-Set-of-Lungs-prequel.mp3
• Nice-Set-of-Lungs-prequel.mp4

[Intro]
Man does she have a nice set of lungs
So, the swan song’s sung

[Verse 1]
Can’t you see
You’re suffocating me
I can’t breathe
In heat in humidity
I seethe

[Chorus]
For what it’s worth
The lungs of the Earth
Are dying
Are you crying
Or denying

[Bridge]
This is
Altered photosynthesis
Stomatal closure
For sure
Can we endure
Any more

[Verse 2]
Can’t you see
You’re suffocating me
I can’t breathe
In heat, in humidity
I seethe

[Chorus]
For what it’s worth
The lungs of the Earth
Are dying
Are you crying
Or denying

[Verse 3]
Definitely
Suffocating me
I can’t breathe
In lack of humanity
I seethe

[Chorus]
For what it’s worth
The lungs of the Earth
Are dying
Are you crying
Or denying

[Bridge]
This is
Altered photosynthesis
Stomatal closure
For sure
Can we endure
Any more (no, no more)

[Outro]
Won’t you believe
I can’t breathe
(Gasp)

A SCIENCE NOTE

Forests are often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” because of their critical role in maintaining atmospheric balance and supporting life. Here are the key reasons behind this metaphor:

1. Oxygen Production

• Photosynthesis: Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and release oxygen (O2) as a byproduct through the process of photosynthesis. Forests, which cover about 31% of the Earth’s land area, are major contributors to the global oxygen supply.
• Scale of Contribution: Tropical rainforests, such as the Amazon, are particularly significant, producing a substantial amount of the world’s oxygen. However, it’s important to note that marine photosynthesizers like phytoplankton also play a crucial role in global oxygen production .

2. Carbon Sequestration

• Carbon Storage: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing more carbon dioxide than they emit. This helps mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the overall concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.
• Long-term Storage: Trees store carbon in their biomass (trunks, branches, leaves, and roots) and in forest soils, keeping it out of the atmosphere for extended periods .

3. Air Quality Improvement

• Pollutant Removal: Forests and trees filter air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, improving air quality and benefiting human health.
• Urban Benefits: In urban areas, trees can significantly reduce pollution levels, making cities healthier places to live .

4. Climate Regulation

• Temperature Moderation: Forests help regulate local and global climates by influencing temperature and humidity. They provide shade and release water vapor through transpiration, which has a cooling effect on the environment.
• Rainfall Patterns: Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the water cycle by contributing to rainfall patterns and stabilizing local and regional climates .

Conclusion

Forests are essential for maintaining the Earth’s ecological balance, much like lungs are vital for human respiration. They produce oxygen, sequester carbon, improve air quality, and regulate climate, making them indispensable to life on Earth.

Sources

• NASA Climate Kids: Why Are Trees Important?
• National Geographic: Amazon Rainforest
• World Resources Institute: Carbon Storage
• USDA Forest Service: Forest Benefits

Too Much CO2

Trees do absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during the process of photosynthesis, where they convert CO2 and sunlight into oxygen and glucose. However, while trees need CO2 to survive, an excess of it in the atmosphere can indirectly harm them in several ways:

1. Climate Change Impacts

• Increased Temperatures: Higher levels of CO2 contribute to global warming. Elevated temperatures can lead to heat stress in trees, disrupting their growth, reproduction, and survival rates .
• Drought Conditions: Climate change driven by excess CO2 can alter precipitation patterns, leading to more frequent and severe droughts. Drought stress can weaken trees, making them more susceptible to disease and pest infestations .

2. Altered Photosynthesis

• Stomatal Closure: Trees may partially close their stomata (tiny openings on leaves) to reduce water loss during hot and dry conditions. This can limit CO2 uptake, slowing down photosynthesis and growth .
• Nutrient Imbalances: Increased CO2 can initially boost photosynthesis, but without corresponding increases in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, trees may not sustain this enhanced growth, leading to nutrient deficiencies and reduced health .

3. Pests and Diseases

• Weakened Defense Mechanisms: Trees stressed by heat and drought are less able to defend against pests and diseases. Higher temperatures can also expand the range and lifespan of pests like bark beetles, increasing the risk of infestations that can kill trees .

4. Soil and Ecosystem Changes

• Soil Moisture Reduction: Higher temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can reduce soil moisture levels, affecting root health and overall tree vitality .
• Ecosystem Disruption: Climate change can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, affecting not just trees but the entire network of organisms that depend on them, including fungi, insects, and animals. This can lead to a breakdown in symbiotic relationships essential for tree health.

Conclusion

While trees do “breathe” in CO2 and need it for photosynthesis, excessive atmospheric CO2 contributes to climate change, which can lead to conditions that indirectly suffocate and kill trees through heat stress, drought, pest infestations, and nutrient imbalances. The complex interplay of these factors demonstrates the importance of addressing climate change to protect forest health.

Sources

• Union of Concerned Scientists: Climate Change and Forests
• National Geographic: How Climate Change Affects Forests
• USDA Forest Service: Forest Health

From the album “Wood You Save the Trees?” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

• Climax-and-Succession-I.mp3
• Climax-and-Succession-I.mp4
• Climax-and-Succession-II.mp3
• Climax-and-Succession-II.mp4

[Intro]

Climax and succession
Spiraling depression

[Verse 1]
In a rift
Species shift
Disturbance regime
Do you know what I mean

[Chorus]
Biodiversity
Becomes a rarity
Obviously
We can not see

[Bridge]
Blind to our demise
No surprise?

[Verse 2]
Disturbances:
Declining chances
Pestilence proliferation
Unwilling participation

[Chorus]
Biodiversity
Becomes a rarity
Obviously
We can not see

[Bridge]
Blind to our demise
No surprise?

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Bridge]
Blind to our demise
No surprise?

[Chorus]
Biodiversity
Becomes a rarity
Obviously
We can not see

[Outro]
Blind to our demise
No surprise?

A SCIENCE NOTE
Climate change has profound effects on both climax and succession forests, altering their composition, structure, and ecological dynamics. Here’s how these impacts unfold:

Climax Forests

Climax forests are stable, mature ecosystems that have reached a late stage of ecological succession. They are characterized by a stable species composition and structure that persists until disrupted by a disturbance. Climate change impacts these forests in several ways:

1. Temperature Increases: Warmer temperatures can stress species that are adapted to cooler climates, leading to shifts in species composition. For example, in boreal climax forests, species like spruce and fir may decline, while more temperate species like maple and oak may increase .
2. Altered Precipitation Patterns: Changes in precipitation can affect soil moisture levels, influencing tree growth and survival. In areas experiencing increased drought, such as some temperate and Mediterranean forests, species that are less drought-tolerant may decline, altering the forest structure and function .
3. Increased Frequency of Disturbances: Climate change can lead to more frequent and intense disturbances, such as wildfires, storms, and pest outbreaks. These disturbances can reset succession processes, pushing climax forests back to earlier successional stages and altering their long-term stability .
4. Pest and Disease Proliferation: Warmer temperatures can facilitate the spread of pests and diseases. For instance, the mountain pine beetle has devastated large areas of climax forests in North America, leading to widespread tree mortality and changes in forest composition .

Succession Forests

Succession forests are in various stages of recovery following a disturbance. Climate change affects these forests by altering the rates and trajectories of succession:

1. Altered Growth Rates: Changes in temperature and CO2 levels can influence the growth rates of different species. Some pioneer species may grow faster under higher CO2 concentrations, potentially accelerating early successional stages but also potentially leading to different competitive dynamics later on .
2. Species Shifts: Climate change can influence which species dominate during different successional stages. For example, increased temperatures and altered moisture regimes can favor different sets of pioneer and mid-successional species, leading to novel successional pathways .
3. Disturbance Regimes: More frequent disturbances can prevent succession forests from reaching climax stages, maintaining them in earlier stages of succession for longer periods. This can alter the landscape mosaic and the biodiversity it supports .
4. Seed Dispersal and Establishment: Climate change can affect seed dispersal mechanisms and the establishment success of seedlings. Changes in wind patterns, animal behaviors, and soil conditions can influence which species successfully establish in succession forests .

Ecological and Management Implications

• Biodiversity: Changes in species composition and structure can affect biodiversity at multiple levels. Some species may thrive while others decline, potentially leading to losses in overall biodiversity.
• Ecosystem Services: The ability of forests to provide ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and habitat provision, can be altered. For example, changes in species composition can influence the carbon storage capacity of forests.
• Conservation and Management: Adaptive management strategies are needed to address the impacts of climate change on both climax and succession forests. This includes monitoring changes, facilitating species migration, and managing disturbances to maintain forest health and resilience.

Sources

• USDA Forest Service
• IPCC Report
• National Park Service

These impacts underscore the complex and dynamic nature of forest ecosystems in the face of climate change, highlighting the need for adaptive management and conservation strategies.

From the album “Wood You Save the Trees?” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

• Head-North-I.mp3
• Head-North-I.mp4
• Head-North-II.mp3
• Head-North-II.mp4
• Head-North-experimental.mp3
• Head-North-experimental.mp4

[Intro]
“Head North, you nut”
But, but, but

[Verse 1]
Rooted in tradition
Of the Southern ways
Starting my migration
During the final days

[Bridge]
Temperature increases
As species decreases

[Chorus]
On the move
Invasive species
As they prove
Our climate thesis

[Verse 2]
Can’t embark with bark
The situation is stark
Plant the seeds
Of invasive deeds

[Bridge]
Temperature increases
As species decreases

[Chorus]
On the move
Invasive species
As they prove
Our climate thesis

[Bridge]
Temperature increases
As species decreases

[Chorus]
On the move
Invasive species
As they prove
Our climate thesis

[Outro]
On the move
Invasive species
As they prove
Our climate thesis

A SCIENCE NOTE
Trees “move” through a process of gradual migration, which occurs over generations through the dispersal of seeds. This migration is driven by environmental changes, such as climate change, and can be observed in the expansion of greenery into new areas, such as the tundra, and the invasion of southern species into regions like the Mid-Atlantic USA. Here’s how these processes work:

Expansion into the Tundra

In Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, warming temperatures have led to the expansion of tree lines into previously barren tundra areas. This process involves several steps:

1. Seed Dispersal: Trees like spruce and birch produce seeds that are dispersed by wind, animals, or water. As temperatures rise, seeds can survive and germinate in areas further north where they previously could not.
2. Seedling Establishment: Once seeds land in a suitable area, they must germinate and grow. Warmer temperatures and a longer growing season improve the chances for seedlings to establish.
3. Growth and Maturation: As seedlings grow, they gradually form new tree stands, expanding the forested area northward. This process is slow but cumulative, leading to noticeable changes over decades.
4. Ecosystem Changes: The establishment of trees in the tundra brings changes to the local ecosystem. Trees provide shade, alter soil composition, and affect the local microclimate, making it more suitable for additional plant and animal species.

Studies and observations have documented this greening effect in regions like Alaska and Siberia, where satellite imagery shows an increase in vegetation cover in the tundra over recent decades​ (ExelonCorp)​​ (Exelon Corporation)​.

Invasion of Southern Species in the Mid-Atlantic USA

In the Mid-Atlantic USA, climate change has facilitated the northward movement of species traditionally found in more southern regions. This invasion is marked by several factors:

1. Temperature Increase: Warmer temperatures allow species that thrive in warmer climates to survive and reproduce in more northern areas.
2. Seed Dispersal Mechanisms: Southern species, such as the loblolly pine or the southern pine beetle, spread through natural dispersal mechanisms. Birds, wind, and animals carry seeds northward.
3. Competitive Advantage: These southern species often have competitive advantages in warmer conditions, allowing them to outcompete native species. For example, the southern pine beetle has expanded its range northward, affecting forests in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
4. Changes in Phenology: Warmer temperatures can change the timing of life cycle events. For example, earlier springs can favor the growth of southern species over native species, giving them a head start in the growing season.

Research has shown that the ranges of many tree species are shifting northward in response to climate change. For instance, the U.S. Forest Service has observed that species like the sweetgum and the live oak are becoming more common in areas where they were previously rare or absent​ (ExelonCorp)​​ (Exelon Corporation)​.

Sources

• USDA Forest Service
• IPCC Report
• World Wildlife Fund
• Nature

These examples illustrate how trees migrate by gradually expanding their range into new areas as environmental conditions change, driven by factors such as temperature increases, changes in precipitation patterns, and altered ecosystems.

Invasive Tree Species in North America

Several southern tree species have migrated northward in North America due to the impacts of climate change. Here are some notable examples:

1. Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)

• Description: Native to the southeastern United States, the loblolly pine has been observed moving into more northern regions.
• Migration Evidence: Studies have documented its establishment in areas like the Mid-Atlantic and even parts of the northeastern U.S., driven by warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.
• Sources: USDA Forest Service

2. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

• Description: Traditionally found in the southeastern U.S., this tree is known for its large, fragrant flowers and evergreen leaves.
• Migration Evidence: Its range is expanding northward, and it is increasingly found in areas like the Mid-Atlantic due to milder winters and warmer growing seasons.
• Sources: National Park Service

3. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

• Description: Native to the southeastern U.S., sweetgum trees are known for their star-shaped leaves and spiky fruit.
• Migration Evidence: They are moving into the northern parts of their range, such as the Mid-Atlantic and even parts of New England, as temperatures rise.
• Sources: Forest Ecology and Management Journal

4. American Holly (Ilex opaca)

• Description: This evergreen tree, native to the southeastern U.S., is known for its distinctive red berries and glossy leaves.
• Migration Evidence: Its range is expanding northward, with more frequent sightings in the Mid-Atlantic and northeastern regions.
• Sources: USDA Forest Service

5. Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

• Description: Native to the southeastern coastal plains, live oaks are known for their sprawling branches and long lifespan.
• Migration Evidence: There are reports of live oaks being planted and surviving in areas further north than their traditional range, reflecting milder winters.
• Sources: U.S. Global Change Research Program

Migration Mechanisms

• Warmer Temperatures: As global temperatures rise, the climates of northern regions become more suitable for these southern species.
• Changing Precipitation Patterns: Altered rainfall patterns can create conditions more favorable to southern species in northern areas.
• Extended Growing Seasons: Longer growing seasons in northern regions due to climate change allow southern species more time to establish and grow.

Ecological Implications

• Competition with Native Species: The migration of southern species can lead to increased competition with native northern species, potentially altering local ecosystems.
• Biodiversity Changes: The influx of new species can change the composition of forests, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services.

These examples illustrate the dynamic nature of forest ecosystems in response to climate change, with southern tree species moving into new territories as they seek suitable habitats.

From the album “Wood You Save the Trees?” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

• Knock-on-Wood-Would-I.mp3
• Knock-on-Wood-Would-I.mp4
• Knock-on-Wood-Would-II.mp3
• Knock-on-Wood-Would-II.mp4

[Intro]
You better knock on wood
Wood would
[Break]
Knock (knock)

[Verse 1]
You better knock
(Knock, knock)
On wood
Our lucks about to run out

[Verse 2]
You better knock
(Knock, knock)
On wood
While you could, there’s no doubt
[Bridge]
While you could
You know wood would
Knock on wood!

[Chorus]
Collapse
Of nature’s synapse
Her lungs
Have come undone

[Bridge]
Perhaps
Time to realize
It happening…
Right before our eyes

[Verse 3]
You better knock
(Knock, knock)
On wood
While you can… here comes Man!
[Bridge]
While you stand
You know wood would
Knock on wood
Our luck is running out
And, there’s no doubt

[Outro]
You better knock on wood
Wood would
Knock (knock)

A SCIENCE NOTE
In North America, less than 5% of the original old-growth forests remain in the West, and less than 1% in the East. This significant decline is primarily due to logging and other disturbances since European settlement. These old-growth forests play a crucial ecological role by providing unique habitats and maintaining biodiversity. Efforts are being made to inventory and protect these remaining forests to ensure their ecological and cultural benefits are preserved for future generations​ (Home | Bureau of Land Management)​​ (Old-Growth Forest Network)​.

From the album “Wood You Save the Trees?” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

• Coming-Down-live.mp3
• Coming-Down-live.mp4
• Coming-Down-prequel.mp3
• Coming-Down-prequel.mp4
• Coming-Down-unplugged-live.mp3
• Coming-Down-unplugged-live.mp4
• Coming-Down-unplugged.mp3
• Coming-Down-unplugged.mp4

[Intro]
Wildfire! Fire!
No doubt drought
Pests and disease
Oh, please
Save the trees

[Verse 1]
The primate’s climate
Has changed our zone
Climate by primate
Left us on our own

[Chorus]
I went to climb a tree
To see that I can see
And all that I could see
Was troublin’ to me

[Bridge]
The canopy
Coming down
(Down, down)
Coming down
All around
(Look around)

[Verse 2]
Are you aware
Can’t climb a tree
That isn’t there
I’m left down below
To sow wallow

[Bridge]
The canopy
Coming down
(Down, down)
Coming down
All around
(Look around)

[Chorus]
I went to climb a tree
To see that I can see
And all that I could see
Was troublin’ to me

[Bridge]
A drastic decline
In climb
Spastic defined,
I’m

[Chorus]
I went to climb a tree
To see that I can see
And all that I could see
Was troublin’ to me

[Outro]
A drastic decline
In climb

A SCIENCE NOTE
Climate change is causing the collapse of the arboreal canopy through a combination of several interrelated factors:

1. Increased Temperature: Rising temperatures can stress trees, making them more susceptible to disease and pests. Higher temperatures also lead to increased evaporation, which can dry out soils and reduce the availability of water for trees. Additionally, temperate zones are shifting due to climate change, but the trees cannot move with them.
2. Drought: Prolonged periods of drought, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, weaken trees by reducing the water available for photosynthesis and growth. This makes trees more vulnerable to pests and diseases, and can lead to widespread die-offs .
3. Pests and Diseases: Warmer temperatures can expand the range and activity periods of pests and pathogens. For instance, bark beetles have devastated large areas of forests in North America, in part due to milder winters that allow more beetles to survive and reproduce .
4. Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and storms. These events can cause immediate and severe damage to forests, including uprooting trees and breaking branches, which can lead to the long-term decline of the canopy .
5. Wildfires: Higher temperatures and drier conditions also contribute to an increased risk and severity of wildfires. Wildfires can rapidly destroy large swathes of forest, decimating the arboreal canopy and altering the landscape for decades .
6. Shifts in Species Composition: Climate change can alter the distribution of tree species, favoring some while disadvantaging others. This can lead to changes in the structure and function of forests, affecting the overall health and stability of the canopy .

These factors combine to create a challenging environment for forests, contributing to the decline and collapse of the arboreal canopy in many regions around the world.

From the album “Wood You Save the Trees?” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment