As Lovely as a Synthetic Tree? Geoengineering Might Capture Much of Our C02

by Kim, July 2, 2009 at 10:19am

It is a rare bit of news that offers a positive development on the global warming front. And an even rarer article that can explain carbon dioxide capture in layperson's terms. The NYT Green Inc. blog talked with Columbia geophysicist Klaus Lackner about just what these synthetic trees are, anyway, and how they might help tip the global carbon emission levels back towards healthier levels.

Unlike synthetic Christmas trees, these synthetic trees make no attempt to look like the real thing. They are also quite expensive...about $30,000 to build right now, though since they can potentially collect 1 ton of C02 a day, the long-term benefits to the environment seem pretty convincing.

That's not to say we don't need more real trees, however. "Over a 20 year lifecycle, the right species in the right conditions can absorb over 40,000 tonnes of C02 per square km", according to Carbonpositive, who provide a handy summary of the benefits and limitations of tree planting as a carbon remedy. The right trees in the right place can help prevent erosion and also be a place for local animals and birds to live.

Read the full NYT article for some good news on the carbon horizon.