World's first genetically modified forest: 'super trees' to bind more CO₂ and cool the climate

These poplars, marketed as eco-friendly, have been established as the globe's initial modified forest. However, experts in forest health and photosynthesis have voiced their doubts about the project.

Researchers from Living Carbon, a Silicon Valley start-up, have created trees that absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide. They aim to cool the Earth by mitigating greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Patrick Mellor, palaeobiologist and Chief Technology Officer of the biotech firm, believes that photosynthesis can save the world.

This is because plants require sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, among other things, to grow. This is done to produce energy and build plant mass, which doubles up as a carbon storage. Patrick Mellor is on a mission to create trees that grow at a faster rate, bind more CO₂ and are resistant to decaying, thereby preventing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The process involves the conversion of substances into sugar and oxygen.

Patrick Mellor is on a mission to create trees that grow at a faster rate, bind more CO₂ and are resistant to decaying, thereby preventing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The initial plantation of "photosynthesis-enhanced" poplars took place in Georgia's forests in February 2023. This is the first woodland in the USA to cultivate genetically modified trees.

The effectiveness of the enhanced CO₂ removal capacity of the plants is still being debated. The impact on the native trees and potential gene spread remain uncertain. Notably, tree geneticist Steve Strauss, from Oregon State University, supports this view. The start-up is currently vending its preliminary carbon credits to personal consumers, enabling them to reduce their own emissions of greenhouse gas. Later, the credits will be available to bigger companies as well.