In 2013, climate scientist Ning Zeng and his colleagues traveled to Quebec, Canada, to bury 35 metric tons of wood under clay soil for a proof-of-concept that burying biomass could be a cheap and effective way to sequester carbon and combat climate change. During excavation, however, the team discovered a 3,775-year-old log that would provide pivotal evidence for their study.
Further testing and comparison with a freshly cut Eastern red cedar log revealed that the log retained at least 95 percent of the carbon it absorbed while above ground, confirming the scientists’ proof-of-concept years before they otherwise could have. The researchers published their findings in the journal Science on Sept. 26.
Wood vaulting is a simple climate solution that involves entombing small trees, woody debris, and other plant materials in clay to prevent decomposition, which would release the carbon dioxide they had captured into the atmosphere. It would, in theory, stop the degradation process for hundreds if not thousands of years, with the carbon still stored in the wood. Zeng estimates that this method could sequester up to 10 gigatons of carbon annually.
The method is also cost-effective, with an estimated cost of $30 to $100 per ton of carbon dioxide, far cheaper than direct air capture technology, which can cost between $100 and $300 per ton.
J.K. Park Staff Reporter junior/1728632616/1613368089
1. What is the main idea behind the climate solution called wood vaulting?
2. Where did Ning Zeng and his team travel to in 2013 for their experiment?
3. How much of the carbon did the 3,775-year-old log retain according to the study?
4. How much carbon does Ning Zeng estimate wood vaulting could sequester annually?
1. Have you learned about climate change before? What do you think are some ways to help the planet?
2. Would you be interested in learning more about nature and how trees can help fight climate change? Why or why not?
3. If you could help stop climate change by burying wood like the scientists in the article, would you do it? How would it feel to know you're helping the Earth?
4. What kinds of projects could you and your friends do to take care of nature and the environment where you live?
In 2013, climate scientist Ning Zeng and his colleagues traveled to Quebec, Canada, to bury 35 metric tons of wood under clay soil for a proof-of-concept that burying biomass could be a cheap and effective way to sequester carbon and combat climate change. During excavation, however, the team discovered a 3,775-year-old log that would provide pivotal evidence for their study.
