One of the easiest, most economical ways we can offset climate change is by protecting mature and old-growth forests. Trees are natural climate moderators, silently carrying out the process of photosynthesis every day. Old-growth trees are especially valuable; they store more carbon because of their mass and continue to sequester carbon for centuries. Conifers like Douglas firs (illustrated here) photosynthesize year-round. I was excited to work with environmental reporter Lynda Mapes on this illustration because as far as I can tell, there are few (if any) published illustrations of evergreen photosynthesis. Most diagrams show deciduous leaves. My primary goal was to make the science accessible and engaging for Seattle Times readers—a broader audience outside of academics—via functional design and eye-catching illustrations.


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