Researchers are investigating the possibility of using artificial trees to remove CO2 from the atmosphere as part of a radical proposal to prevent global warming.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME) has suggested building 100,000 ‘trees’, absorbing one million tonnes of carbon every day, to offset all emissions from the UK.
The artificial trees would absorb CO2 just like the real thing. The CO2 is then captured and stored underground in the same way as in conventional carbon capture storage (CCS).
In a report released today, other geo-engineering methods to cool the planet were explored alongside the artificial trees idea. The most promising ideas put forward included CO2-absorbing algae fitted to the outsides of buildings and designing reflective surfaces in urban areas to reflect the sun’s heat.
The Government, however, does not see geo-engineering as a priority. In November 2008, Joan Ruddock, then Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), stated: “I regard geo-engineering as being somewhere down the list of priorities and potentially a plan B.”
But the report states the need for "as little" as £10 million funding from the Government for research into geo-engineering.
Dr Tim Fox, Head of Environment and Climate Change at the IME, said: ”After decades of failed mitigation, geo-engineering may give us those extra few years to make the transition to a low-carbon world and prevent any one of the future climate change scenarios we all fear.”
The artificial trees would cost $20,000 each and may cause the same controversy as wind farms. Several wind farm projects in the UK have been opposed by people who believe they ruin the natural beauty of areas. This has led to criticism from some pro wind energy groups of nimbyism – a ‘not in my backyard’ mentality.
Claire Q, Aberystwyth, UK around 11 months, 1 week ago