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What is Tree Carbon Power? Is it edible?

Published · DOMI Earth

In short

"Tree carbon power" is a tree's ability to absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and store it as woody tissue — each additional tree on Earth reduces about 12 kilograms of CO2 a year, with the rate varying by species, location, and distribution. It is not edible; it refers to the carbon-sequestration capacity that makes trees pivotal to a sustainable environment.

What is Tree Carbon Power? Is it edible?

Have you ever felt utterly dismayed when you see news about unscrupulous entities massively deforesting or governments clearing trees for industrial development? This article will explore the concept known as "tree carbon power" and why trees are pivotal to our environment.

Understanding Tree Carbon Power

From the previous article about the Tree Planting Party, we learned that each additional tree on Earth can reduce approximately 12 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually. This fantastic benefit occurs because trees possess carbon absorption power, but the rate at which each tree absorbs carbon varies depending on the species, planting location, and distribution.

Besides carbon absorption, trees contribute significantly to environmental quality. The Environmental Quality Protection Foundation points out several key benefits trees offer, such as providing oxygen, soil conservation, and biodiversity enhancement. Studies have shown that seeing trees in our living environment can lead to better work performance. Marshall, a friend from the United States and partner of DOMI Earth shared his deep experiences; when overwhelmed with work stress, he spends a day in the forest conversing with trees, achieving profound relaxation and gaining new inspiration.

The Magic of Tree Carbon Power

The seemingly quiet leaves we see are busier than anyone. When leaves perform photosynthesis, they not only produce oxygen but also convert and store carbon within the tree, eventually forming woody tissue. Tree carbon power refers to the plant’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Thus, the more trees there are, the stronger the Earth's tree carbon power.

According to the Council of Agriculture, wood acts like a carbon dioxide storage bank. As long as it is not burned or decomposed, the carbon remains stored within the wood for a long time. If forests are unfortunately cut down, replanting can continue to utilize the growth of new trees to absorb and fix atmospheric carbon dioxide, highlighting the crucial role trees play in sustainable human living.

Beyond Understanding Tree Carbon Power: Knowing Your Carbon Footprint

While trees can absorb carbon, planting more trees is merely a stopgap measure if our carbon emissions continue to increase. The Ministry of Environment reports that each kilowatt-hour of electricity used results in 0.625 kilograms of carbon emissions; a chicken leg lunch bento box emits 1.5 kg of carbon dioxide and even a pair of disposable chopsticks accounts for 18.27 kg of carbon emissions!

According to the United Nations Statistics Division as of June 2017, each person in Taiwan generates an average of 11.9 tons of carbon footprint annually, leading to numerous environmental issues. A straightforward and effective method to offset this carbon production is through planting trees, using their carbon power to eliminate our carbon footprints.

Therefore, DOMI Earth encourages everyone to adopt a Minus Plus Model carbon reduction lifestyle—starting with diet, transportation, and household appliances. Switch to energy-efficient devices or change behaviors to reduce carbon emissions; plant more flowers, grass, and trees in your community and actively participate in environmental education. Let's work together to rejuvenate our planet!

Frequently asked questions

What is tree carbon power?
Tree carbon power refers to a plant's ability to absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. When leaves photosynthesize they produce oxygen and convert and store carbon within the tree, eventually forming woody tissue — so the more trees there are, the stronger the Earth's tree carbon power.
How much carbon dioxide can one tree absorb?
Each additional tree on Earth can reduce approximately 12 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually, though the exact rate varies depending on the species, planting location, and distribution.
What is the average carbon footprint per person in Taiwan?
According to the United Nations Statistics Division as of June 2017, each person in Taiwan generates an average of 11.9 tons of carbon footprint annually.
Is planting trees enough to solve climate change?
No. While trees absorb carbon, planting more is merely a stopgap if emissions keep rising. DOMI Earth encourages a Minus Plus Model carbon-reduction lifestyle — starting with diet, transportation, and switching to energy-efficient appliances — alongside planting and environmental education.