cj,
For the US, reforestation can be a big win. There already are times of the year where the CO2 content of the atmosphere drops as the air moves over the continent. It wouldn't take a whole lot to make North America carbon negative over the whole year.
I love the idea of reforestation. In addition to the function of the forrests as CO2 sinks, the reforestation can be an economic plus, overall, because I figure that the timber revenues would exceed grazing revenues. And in addition to the increased revenues, forrests support more wildlife, and they can be good places for people to go to, to relax, hike, camp etc. They also help erosion and hold more moisture.
BTW, there was a lot of snickering on the AMD thread when AMD and Dell jointly announced initiative to plant trees. I think it is a great idea.
More importantly, we fight global terrorism in the best possible way, we cut off their air supply. But, I suppose that makes too much sense.
On that front, I think going to nuclear power and eventually solar as it gets cheaper and easier to deploy. First, to replace oil and gas for electricity generation (eventually for heating too), later for powering cars. I think the real win will be when cars move to all electric, the GM concept (Volt car, I believe). These hybrids are really not a huge gain. It just makes some people feel good about themselves (which is all that counts for some people), but that's like a baby step that just diverts attention away from leaps that can be taken with nuclear and solar electricity generation.
Joe |
