 |
|
Tropical forests — Earth's air conditioner
April 10, 2007Stanford, Calif. — Planting and protecting trees—which trap and absorb carbon dioxide as they grow—can help to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But a new study suggests that, as a way to fight global warming, the effectiveness of this strategy depends heavily on where these trees are planted. In particular, tropical forests are very efficient at keeping the Earth at a happy, healthy temperature.
The researchers, including Ken Caldeira of Carnegie's Department of Global Ecology and Govindasamy Bala at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, found that because tropical forests store large amounts of carbon and produce reflective clouds, they are especially good at cooling the planet. In contrast, forests in snowy areas can warm the Earth, because their dark canopy absorbs sunlight that would otherwise be reflected back to space by a bright white covering of snow.
The work simulates the effects of large-scale deforestation, and accounts for the positive and negative climate effects of tree cover at different latitudes. The result, which appears in this week's early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, makes a strong case for protecting and restoring tropical forests.
"Tropical forests are like Earth's air conditioner," Caldeira said. "When it comes to rehabilitating forests to fight global warming, carbon dioxide might be only half of the story; we also have to account for whether they help to reflect sunlight by producing clouds, or help to absorb it by shading snowy tundra."
Forests in colder, sub-polar latitudes evaporate less water and are less effective at producing clouds. As a result, the main climate effect of these forests is to increase the absorption of sunlight, which can overwhelm the cooling effect of carbon storage.
However, Caldeira believes it would be counterproductive to cut down forests in snowy areas, even if it could help to combat global warming. "A primary reason we are trying to slow global warming is to protect nature," he explains. "It just makes no sense to destroy natural ecosystems in the name of saving natural ecosystems."
Carnegie Institution
"Tropical forests are like Earth's air conditioner," Caldeira said. "When it comes to rehabilitating forests to fight global warming, carbon dioxide might be only half of the story; we also have to account for whether they help to reflect sunlight by producing clouds, or help to absorb it by shading snowy tundra."
Forests in colder, sub-polar latitudes evaporate less water and are less effective at producing clouds. As a result, the main climate effect of these forests is to increase the absorption of sunlight, which can overwhelm the cooling effect of carbon storage.
However, Caldeira believes it would be counterproductive to cut down forests in snowy areas, even if it could help to combat global warming. "A primary reason we are trying to slow global warming is to protect nature," he explains. "It just makes no sense to destroy natural ecosystems in the name of saving natural ecosystems."
Carnegie Institution
Carbon Dioxide Current Events and Carbon Dioxide News RSSFish food fight: Fish don't eat trees after all, says new study
What constitutes fish food is a matter of debate. A high-profile study a few years ago suggested that fish get almost 50 percent of their carbon from trees and leaves, evidence for a very close link between the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Is global warming unstoppable?
In a provocative new study, a University of Utah scientist argues that rising carbon dioxide emissions - the major cause of global warming - cannot be stabilized unless the world's economy collapses or society builds the equivalent of one new nuclear power plant each day.
Scripps research scientists find new link between insulin and core body temperature
A team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have discovered a direct link between insulin-a hormone long associated with metabolism and metabolic disorders such as diabetes-and core body temperature.
Oceans' uptake of manmade carbon may be slowing
The oceans play a key role in regulating climate, absorbing more than a quarter of the carbon dioxide that humans put into the air.
Developing 'green' tires that boost mileage and cut carbon dioxide emissions
A new generation of "green" automobile tires that can boost fuel efficiency without sacrificing safety and durability is rolling their way through the research pipeline.
Berkeley Lab Lends Expertise to India to Promote Energy Efficiency
ndia may rank only a distant fourth in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, behind China, the United States and Russia, but its rapid economic growth rate coupled with aging and inefficient energy infrastructure suggest dire environmental consequences if "business as usual" continues.
Tiny bubbles clean oil from water
Small amounts of oil leave a fluorescent sheen on polluted water. Oil sheen is hard to remove, even when the water is aerated with ozone or filtered through sand.
Health care accounts for 8 percent of US carbon footprint
The American health care sector accounts for nearly a tenth of the country's carbon dioxide emissions, according to a first-of-its-kind calculation of health care's carbon footprint.
Climate studies to benefit from 12 years of satellite aerosol data
Aerosols, very small particles suspended in the air, play an important role in the global climate balance and in regulating climate change.
Controversial new climate change results
New data show that the balance between the airborne and the absorbed fraction of carbon dioxide has stayed approximately constant since 1850, despite emissions of carbon dioxide having risen from about 2 billion tons a year in 1850 to 35 billion tons a year now.
More Carbon Dioxide Current Events and Carbon Dioxide News Articles
 |
The Carbon Dioxide Syndrome by Jennifer Stark and Russell Stark (Author) Learn why changing your breathing can improve your health and well-being through the Butekyo Method. This method will help those with sleep disorders, panic attacks, allergies, hypertension and asthma. |
 |
^CarboLime Carbon Dioxide Absorbent - Pre-packaged cartridge, 2.5 lb (1.13 kg) Min.Order is 1 CS ( 12 Each / Case; ) by Medline CarboLime is a granular solar lime absorbent for the efficient removal of carbon dioxide from closed and semi-closed patient breathing circuits. Contains no potassium hydroxide. Minimum dust levels with the benefits of high surface area and graded particle size. Low bulk density. Low risk of carbon monoxide formation due to good reisistance of dry gas desiccation. Low odor due to reliable control of indicator dye concenntration. Carb-O-Lime Absorbent Granules Efficiently Remove Carbon Dioxide 12 Each / Case; |
 |
First Alert CO400 Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm by First Alert Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, yet many people don't know they are suffering from CO poisoning until its too late. Since symptoms of CO poisoning are like the flu, you might not even know you're in danger at first. That's why a carbon monoxide alarm is an excellent way to protect your family. It can detect the CO you can't see, smell or taste in the air. The First Alert CO400 carbon monoxide alarm uses an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor-the most accurate technology available. The permanent sensor lasts up to five years. It is powered by two AA replaceable alkaline batteries giving you peace of mind even during power outages. The test/silence button both silences the alarm and allows you to test its functionality. The unit... |
 |
Double Gauge Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Regulator by Learn To Brew This is a durable, double gauge carbon dioxide pressure regulator to be used with carbon dioxide tanks. The non-adjustable shut-down safety is built into the body of the regulator where it cannot be removed or easily circumvented. In event of a failure of the regulator seat this safety will respond instantly, isolating the product container from potentially dangerous high pressure. The product container pressure level will not exceed the factory set blow-off of 55 - 65 PSIG. All regulators are pressure tested to assure in-field reliability. Each regulator comes with instructions for proper installation and use procedures Features: * Easy To Read Indicators * Dual Gauge to Show Tank Pressure * Easy To Adjust * Durable |
 |
Carbon Dioxide and the Climate Crisis: Reality or Illusion? Also With: CO2Science (Producer) Al Gore calls the host of negative consequences he predicts will accompany the on-going rise in the air's CO2 concentration "a planetary emergency - a crisis that threatens the survival of our civilization and the habitability of the earth." James Hansen similarly claims that the earth "is close to dangerous climate change, to tipping points of the system with the potential for irreversible deleterious effects," and he contends that "ignoring the climate problem at this time, for even another decade, would serve to lock in future catastrophic climatic change." Do these dire contentions reflect reality? Or do they portray but a marvelously-crafted and hugely-effective illusion? Carbon Dioxide and the Climate Crisis: Reality or Illusion? explores this perplexing problem through an... |
 |
Fire Extinguisher Carbon Dioxide 5 Lb. by Global Industrial KIDDE CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHER Effective for Class B and C fires. Environmentally safe, Co2 gas dissipates quickly leaving no residue and won't contaminate food, valuable materials or electronics. Seamless aluminum cylinder has a durable epoxy paint finish. Long-lasting nickelchrome plated brass valve with stainless steel handle and lever. Includes a heavy-duty wall hanger. 5 year warranty. Non-Returnable. 5 pounds UL Rating: 5B:C |
 |
Kidde 900-0107 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm by Kidde Safety 110V Non-Digital AC Carbon Monoxide Alarm With Direct Plug Alarm Only 85 Decibel Alarm Test Reset Button To Reset Alarm Advanced Electrochemical Sensor 5 Year Warranty UL Listed To 2,034 Standard Clam Shell |
 |
First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm - SC01CN3 by First Alert First Alert SCO1CN3 smoke and carbon monoxide detector uses ionization method of smoke detection. It features a test button and a silence button that temporarily quiets both the carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. When battery is low, the warning "chirp" and light flashes. The alarm makes different horn sounds and light flash patterns for carbon monoxide and smoke. |
|
Carbon Dioxide Incubator Accessories for Isotemp/Thermo Scientific NAPCO Models; Roller Base by Thermo Scientific Forma Roller Base, Incubator Accessory; For Isotemp DH and NAPCO 8000 Series DH CO2 Incubators; with locking casters and leveling feet | |
|
Carbon Dioxide Maoi (Primary Contributor) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |