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How much CO2 does a tree really absorb?

Updated: Dec 21, 2022

Can tree planting really be used to offset carbon?


Palm trees during a hurricane

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This happens regardless of whether you have planted it or not. However, when you plant a tree, that single tree absorbs CO2 and releases oxygen to the environment all through its lifetime. It is a natural process that makes trees essential to the health of our planet.


How Many Trees are Needed To Offset The CO2 Produced By Your Gas Boiler?


The more CO2 your boiler produces, the more trees you plant to offset it. For example, if a 20-year-old tree absorbs 100 kg of CO2 annually, planting ten trees would offset 10% of your home's annual carbon footprint.


The amount of CO2 absorbed by trees depends on the type of tree, its age, and the rate at which it absorbs CO2.

How Is The Amount Of Carbon Dioxide Absorbed By Trees Calculated?


To determine how much carbon dioxide a tree absorbs, you must first know the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and then compare that to the amount in its absence. The simplest way to calculate this is by measuring it directly or using a model.


What Is The CO2 Absorption Capacity of Trees?


The CO2 absorption capacity of a tree is dependent on its size and the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere around it. The more CO2 in the air, the more likely the tree will absorb it through photosynthesis.

A tree also absorbs CO2 from its roots and soil. Given that trees have been present for millions of years and are self-sufficient, this seems reasonable.


What Species Absorb The Most CO2?


The trees that absorb the most CO2 have the highest photosynthesis rates. Photosynthesis is a process that converts carbon dioxide and water into energy-rich organic compounds, including glucose, which the tree uses for growth. The amount of CO2 a tree absorbs depends on how much solar radiation it receives and its species and size. Deciduous trees absorb more CO2 than evergreens because they lose their leaves during winter when photosynthesis slows down significantly.


Role of Trees In The Carbon Cycle


Trees are an essential part of the carbon cycle, as well as the water cycle. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, which is how they produce energy. The CO2 is stored in their trunks and branches until it either decays or is released into the air through respiration.

Trees also release oxygen into the atmosphere via photosynthesis. This helps to keep us alive and healthy by allowing us to breathe. In addition to supporting human life on Earth, trees also help reduce flooding and soil erosion by capturing the soil with their roots, preventing water from washing away loose material such as rocks or sand grains.


Why Tropical And Subtropical Trees Sequester More Carbon Dioxide


Tropical and subtropical trees can sequester significantly more carbon dioxide than trees in other parts of the world. This is because they grow faster, have a longer growing season, and live longer.


Why Wetlands Sequester More Carbon Dioxide


Wetlands sequester more carbon dioxide than trees because they are more efficient at converting CO2 into organic matter. They do this by having a higher rate of photosynthesis, which transforms CO2 into organic compounds. In addition, wetland plants have longer roots that reach deeper soil layers with more moisture and nutrients. These deep roots also absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere than the shallow ones found on trees.


Can Tree Planting be Used For Carbon Offsetting


Tree planting can be used for carbon offsetting. Carbon Offsetting is a process of paying to offset the carbon emissions your activity generates. This can be done by investing in renewable energy or planting trees.

When you plant a tree, you make a contribution towards reducing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into oxygen through photosynthesis.

Planting trees also has other benefits besides reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as protecting soil quality and preventing erosion due to water runoff on slopes and hillsides.


Conclusion


It is important to remember that trees do absorb not only CO2 but also other greenhouse gases. They can also absorb pollutants from the air and return them to the soil, where plants and animals can use them for the regeneration of food.




 
 
 

2 Comments


Pesh Mawa
Pesh Mawa
Jan 24

Happy New Year members, this year will even be greater, target 0.25 million trees planted by end of 2025. Where there is will there is a way!

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francis telegei
francis telegei
Jul 24, 2023

Great work Owen i have been going through Esaco website you have done completely fantastic dev. you can add Our Partners / Collaborators tab eg (GOK, KFS, County govts, FRIENDS OF ESACO, SAFARICOM FOUNDATION, EQUITY GROUP, UNEP, CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION etc) on completed, ongoing and upcoming projects as well.


Kudos.


Frank

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