A group of researchers from the Crowther Lab at ETH Zurich conducted a scientific study to determine the amount of hectares needed to reforest in order to capture a significant amount of CO2 and combat climate change.
To address climate change, the need for more trees emerged, and the scientific calculation determined that an area equal to the United States would need to be covered. This figure is not a joke, but the result of extensive scientific research conducted by the Crowther Lab at ETH Zurich, an interdisciplinary research group specializing in the global-scale study of climate change. The study was published in the journal Science.
According to the scientists, the most effective solution would be to reforest an area of about 0.9 billion hectares in different parts of the world, equivalent to the size of the United States (983 million hectares). This would capture two-thirds of the carbon dioxide emissions produced by human activity.
The Crowther Lab not only calculated the area needed, but also identified the global areas most suitable for reforestation. Under current climatic conditions, the planet could support 4.4 billion hectares of continuous tree cover, compared to the current 2.8 billion hectares. Consequently, 1.6 billion hectares would be needed, of which 0.9 billion hectares would be devoted exclusively to forests unaffected by human activity. Upon reaching maturity, these trees could store 205 billion tons of CO2, corresponding to two-thirds of the total emissions caused by human activity.
The analysis also identified six countries with the greatest potential for reforestation, including Russia, the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil and China. Russia ranks first with 151 million hectares, followed by the United States with 103 million and Canada with 78.4 million.
Electric cars are considered the future of mobility, but information about them is still limited and opinions are not entirely clear. Let’s look together at the five most relevant facts about electric cars.
Two Types of Electric Cars:
If you are considering buying an electric car, it is important to know that there are two types:
Full Electric: These cars have a range of 100 to 500 km, depending on the model. For example, a Tesla Model S has a claimed range of 632 km compared to 378 km for a Nissan Leaf. They must be recharged after the batteries are depleted.
Mixed Electrics: These vehicles have an internal combustion engine as a back-up in case the batteries run down.
CO2 Emissions during Production:
Although electric cars do not emit CO2 during their operation, the manufacturing process does involve CO2 emissions. Lithium-ion battery production and unsustainable power generation contribute to overall emissions, making electric cars similar in this respect to conventional cars. However, there is a growing trend toward more sustainable solutions.
Lithium Batteries: Rent or Buy:
When buying an electric car, you have the choice of renting or buying the battery. Some automakers, such as Renault, require the battery to be rented for a monthly fee and offer a warranty and replacement option. Others, such as Tesla, allow the battery to be purchased, avoiding the monthly payment.
Long-Term Savings:
Despite the medium to high list price of electric cars, with starts of at least €15,000 and the additional cost of battery rental, their operating cost is more affordable. Electric motors are efficient and less expensive to maintain, costing an estimated €1 to drive 100 km, compared to €5.5 for conventional cars. Due to lower maintenance requirements, savings of up to €2,000 per year are possible. In addition, the Italian government offers incentives for the purchase of electric cars, along with regional tax breaks.
Electric Cars and Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL):
Electric cars offer significant benefits for those who travel in restricted traffic zones. Their zero CO2 and particulate matter emissions make them exempt from the restrictions of LTZs, representing a tangible benefit for those who use them.
