Planting trees has often been the first line of defence against global warming. Trees, after all, cool the atmosphere by drinking in the carbon dioxide from the air.
Scientists say that trees absorb and store the key greenhouse gases emitted by cars and power plants. All plants absorb carbon dioxide but trees process significantly more than smaller plants do, due to their large size and extensive root structures.
Says environmentalist Subhas Datta, "In essence, trees are like the kings of the plant world. They have much more "woody biomass" to store carbon dioxide than smaller plants." Subsequently, they are considered nature's most efficient carbon sinks.
According to Datta, certain trees are better absorbents of carbon dioxide than others. "These `carbon traps' usually grow quickly and live long," says Datta. Unfortunately, both qualities cannot be found together in foliage.
Normally, younger trees grow faster but their older partners are better absorbents. It has been found that trees that grow slower can store much more carbon over their significantly longer lives. A study shows that tropical, evergreen forests are better at tackling global warming.
According to a study by Dr Govindasamy Bala of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, evergreens like conifers and red cedar, "cut down on emissions and help keep the planet cool." Dr Bala also observes that the further a person moves away from the equator these gains are eroded.
According to researchers, planting trees in mid and high latitude locations do not have similar effects. In fact, on the contrary they could increase temperatures by 2100.
Scientists say that trees absorb and store the key greenhouse gases emitted by cars and power plants. All plants absorb carbon dioxide but trees process significantly more than smaller plants do, due to their large size and extensive root structures.
Says environmentalist Subhas Datta, "In essence, trees are like the kings of the plant world. They have much more "woody biomass" to store carbon dioxide than smaller plants." Subsequently, they are considered nature's most efficient carbon sinks.
According to Datta, certain trees are better absorbents of carbon dioxide than others. "These `carbon traps' usually grow quickly and live long," says Datta. Unfortunately, both qualities cannot be found together in foliage.
Normally, younger trees grow faster but their older partners are better absorbents. It has been found that trees that grow slower can store much more carbon over their significantly longer lives. A study shows that tropical, evergreen forests are better at tackling global warming.
According to a study by Dr Govindasamy Bala of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, evergreens like conifers and red cedar, "cut down on emissions and help keep the planet cool." Dr Bala also observes that the further a person moves away from the equator these gains are eroded.
According to researchers, planting trees in mid and high latitude locations do not have similar effects. In fact, on the contrary they could increase temperatures by 2100.
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