Forests could suck up world’s greenhouse gases

The earth warming is not a recent invention. Scientists were already alarmed 20 years ago and more as they saw ozone layers ripping apart and the world getting warming. Back then I was charged to lead a forestry project –– finding if and how poplar trees could grow beside roads and highways to suck up greenhouse gas.

Now what would seem like a no brainer moment for scientists, shows us the obvious: by letting forests grow we can greatly remediate the effects of climate change (and a mass Exodus from the Middle East) in the near future. This is new research from the University of Connecticut led by Robin Chazdon.

Her recent study in Latin America shows that if recently abandoned South American farmland reverts to forests we can suck up 31 billion tons of carbon in the next 40 years. That will offset two decades of using fossil fuels in the region. If additional pastures are abandoned some 7 billion more tons could be sucked up.

A forest as carbon sink? Brilliant! I am pleased that there are scientists who have the patience to demonstrate common sense to the world.

The paper also offers a due date as to when this should be done so we can avoid the tipping point –– a climate change disaster. “This is a potential contribution that is sitting right under our noses,” said Chazdon.

Let’s also look to more sustainable way of growing food and less use of unsustainable farming practices. Hydroponics is one very good option.