FutureWire - futurism and emerging technology

Monday, January 03, 2005

Fighting CO2 Emissions with Tree Planting

One proposed approach to countering higher CO2 emissions -- and the global warming effects that may result -- is decidedly low-tech. A team of researchers from NASA and Cal Tech is proposing to plant trees to create "carbon sinks," where vegetation absorbs excess carbon dioxide.

One problem that the research team has noted is that, as temperatures rise, tree-eating insects proliferate, attacking the existing tree population. This makes reforestation all the more important. The research team proposes planting groves of trees on marginal farmland and rangeland to create carbon sinks.

Source: Environmental News Network