A new computer model has led researchers to conclude that planting trees in temperate regions will not offset global warming and could lead to warmer temperatures. Trees should be planted in the tropics to offset global warming.
A problem I have with the model: it only considers offsetting carbon. It does not take into account any of the other benefits of planting trees in the temperate latitudes, including absorption and filtration of polluted water and air, reduced localized energy costs in urban areas, the psychological benefits of experiencing nature, and jobs.
This myopic view of only seeing the forest for the carbon is big mistake. What about other global warming pollutants that are much worse than CO2? What about land use planning? What about combating soil erosion? What about improving water quality and reducing water clean-up costs?
Sunday, December 17, 2006
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