Artificial Trees to Absorb Carbon Dioxide

Artificial trees are innovative, man-made devices designed to mimic the natural process of photosynthesis by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. These “trees” are part of a broader set of technologies known as carbon capture and storage (CCS) or direct air capture (DAC).

✅ Key Features of Artificial Trees:

1. High CO₂ Capture Efficiency:
   Artificial trees can absorb up to 1,000 times more CO₂ than a natural tree of the same size.
2. Fast-Acting Sorbents:
   They use chemical materials (such as resins or filters) that bind CO₂ from the air.
3. Reusable Technology:
   The captured CO₂ can be:
   • Stored underground (carbon sequestration)
   • Used to make fuels, plastics, or carbonated drinks
4. Compact and Scalable:
   A single artificial tree can be installed in urban spaces, rooftops, deserts, or near factories.

🌍 Why Artificial Trees Matter:

• Help reduce global warming
• Complement natural afforestation
• Useful in urban areas with high CO₂ pollution
• Essential for reaching net-zero emissions goals

🔬 Who Is Developing Them?

• Klaus Lackner (Arizona State University) – one of the pioneers
• Carbon Engineering (Canada)
• Climeworks (Switzerland)
• Global Thermostat (USA)