A US based technology startup is genetically engineering trees to capture more carbon dioxide and live longer than traditional trees. The U.S. climate technology startup Living Carbon is producing trees that can absorb 53% more biomass with more efficient photosynthesis.
Trees Can Absorb 27% More Carbon
Living Carbon is in the process of creating genetically modified seedlings from a hybrid poplar variety, which they claim can absorb 27% more carbon. Apart from its carbon capture potential, Living Carbon is also enhancing the trees’ capacity to gather metals such as nickel and copper from polluted soils, thus improving their resistance against fungal decay.
Living Carbon Has Problems
After starting strong in 2021, the San Francisco-based startup has been able to raise more than $21 million in the last two years. But scientists said the startup can create problems for the evolution of trees. Molecular geneticist Ricarda Steinbrecher said GE trees can cause problems for the overall progeny of trees.
