3 ms·
I see this point brought out often. Some counter points: a) Trees can live for hundreds of years. We're in the midst of transforming how we produce energy and
by sdenton4 5y ago
I see this point brought out often. Some counter points:
a) Trees can live for hundreds of years. We're in the midst of transforming how we produce energy and improving energy efficiency all around... A good CO2 'battery' to smooth out the problem can still be very helpful. Think of it as a low-pass filter to help reduce a shock.
b) Forests have a massive number of positive effects beside co2 sequestration, including local cooling and aiding the water cycle. A world with more forests is a healthier world. (See also: riding a bike instead of driving. It saves CO2, and has numerous health benefits.)
- slavik81 5y agoEven dead trees take decades to decay. It varies by climate, but a typical tree in the Boreal Forest might take a century to rot away.
- motioncuty 5y agoThe dead trees make for ground fuel in more arid forests. Does the decaying material of boreal trees make it into the air or is it captured by the funguses and microbes eating it?