Global warming is the main threat facing our planet. This serious phenomenon has exploded in recent decades due to various human activities and the emission of large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.
Scientists are restless and, despite the series of warnings, human beings still do not measure the magnitude of this problem.
In this critical scenario, several solutions have been proposed that could help mitigate the increase in the planet’s temperature.
Perhaps one of the most striking is the creation of mechanical trees that can absorb CO2 from the air.
How will they work?
In an interview with reverseKlaus Lackner, a professor at Arizona State University (ASU) and a pioneer in air capture and carbon storage, explained his idea for mechanical trees and how they might capture carbon dioxide.
“They are tall vertical columns of discs coated with a chemical resin, one and a half meters in diameter, with the discs spaced about five centimeters apart, like a stack of discs,” said the scientist.
“As the air passes, the surfaces of the discs absorb CO2. After about 20 minutes, the disks are full and sink into a barrel below. We send water and steam to release the CO2 in a closed environment.”
In July 2021, Lackner received about $2.5 million from the ASU to work on his CO2 capture devices.
The scientist’s idea is to build three farms that could absorb a thousand tons of CO2 in one day. The first of these farms would start operating in April of this year.
Another interesting aspect of Lackner’s proposal is that his trees would use less energy than similar carbon capture projects.
The scientist also stresses that it is crucial to develop an efficient method of storing carbon dioxide, otherwise our grandchildren will be fighting against the carbon we capture once it escapes.
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