AUSTIN, Texas — Two different journals on natural science say carbon dioxide emissions are out of control.
- 2 studies published about climate change
- 1 sheds light in reforestation
- The other discusses carbon dioxide emissions
The American Association for the Advancement of Science, published a study that sheds light on a solution regarding reforestation, the process of re-planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Researchers behind this study point to reforestation as the most cost effective way to reverse climate change, and in Texas, it can be done without impacting existing agriculture or urban land.
According to scientists, planting 500 billion trees worldwide could cut the atmospheric carbon pool by 25 percent.
The second paper published in the International Journal of Science paints a grim picture of carbon dioxide emissions. It analyzes the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold which humans are on pace to exceed based on the current rate of emissions.
Countries in the Paris Climate Accords agreed that in order to reduce carbon emissions, the global temperature must not rise above that 1.5 degree limit. According to scientists, if we let the temperature rise above that limit, humans could begin to see a major transformation of natural ecosystems.
The current pace only accounts for the current fossil fuel infrastructure in place. According to this paper, changing course,means a systematic change to fossil fuel infrastructure which could heavily impact Texas. Oil rigs, processing sites, and refineries are considered fossil fuel infrastructure.
An atmospheric chemist says changing course can be done and Texas can lead the way with renewable energy.
"Texas is also number one for wind power. Texas gets a lot of its energy from renewables--wind being one of the top ones. So for people who live in Texas it's about, hey what's the cheaper route and it's wind," Heather Price, Ph.D said.
Research shows humans are pumping over 33 billion tons of carbon dioxide each year into the atmosphere.