A group of researchers from the UK, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic have suggested a novel approach to combat carbon emissions by sinking mature trees from boreal forests into the deep Arctic Ocean. These trees, which are known for storing carbon dioxide during their growth, would be removed from fire-prone areas in Canada, Alaska, and Russia and floated down Arctic rivers like the Yukon and Mackenzie before being submerged in the Arctic Ocean. The researchers propose replanting fast-growing trees in place of the removed ones to enhance carbon absorption.
According to a study published in the online journal npj Climate Action, this method could potentially remove one gigaton of carbon dioxide annually if applied to three areas totaling 10,000 square kilometers, representing just one percent of the boreal forest. Despite the promise of carbon storage, the logistical challenges of the project, such as the energy and carbon emissions required for tree removal, transportation, and submersion, need to be carefully considered.
The study also raises concerns about the impact on ocean floor organisms, the disruption to forest ecosystems, and the implications for Indigenous communities residing in these regions. While innovative geoengineering ideas like this aim to mitigate carbon emissions, addressing the root cause of the issue, namely the burning of fossil fuels, remains crucial. Alternative energy technologies such as solar, wind, nuclear, and fusion power offer sustainable solutions to reduce emissions and combat climate change effectively. The transition to cleaner energy sources is essential to ensure a sustainable future and mitigate the need for large-scale geoengineering interventions.
