Countries are relying on forests and soil to absorb their remaining carbon – it's a risky way to reach net zero
National strategies depend on natural methods to offset emissions – but acknowledge this may not be possible.
March 6, 2023 • ~8 min
National strategies depend on natural methods to offset emissions – but acknowledge this may not be possible.
Tropical forests are one of humanity’s best hopes for slowing climate change.
Efforts to preserve biodiversity and slow climate change make natural bedfellows.
The world is a much better place for the extra carbon being absorbed by forests, but it can never entirely offset emissions.
Secondary forests are growing on deforested land in the Amazon – but not enough to offset emissions from logging.
Healthy corals and mangroves break waves and dissipate their energy. Paired with unobtrusive hardened structures, they can provide powerful storm solutions.
Drilling instead of tilling the soil to plant seeds could help the ground store more carbon.
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