Plants and trees do indeed "breathe" carbon dioxide, but the process is more accurately described as photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants and trees use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose (a form of sugar) and oxygen. Oxygen is released back into the atmosphere as a byproduct, while the glucose is used as an energy source for the plant.
While it is true that plants and trees play a crucial role in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, there are several reasons why we still worry about carbon capture:
Deforestation: Large-scale deforestation has led to the loss of vast forested areas, reducing the Earth's capacity to naturally absorb carbon dioxide. This loss of forests disrupts the balance and can lead to increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide emissions: Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and industrial processes, release substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The rate at which we are emitting carbon dioxide far exceeds the capacity of natural carbon sinks, including plants and trees, to absorb it.
Time and scale: While plants and trees are valuable in absorbing carbon dioxide, it takes time for them to grow and sequester significant amounts of carbon. Additionally, the global scale of carbon dioxide emissions is enormous, making it challenging for natural processes alone to keep up with the pace of emissions.
Conservation and ecosystem balance: Protecting existing forests and ecosystems is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the long-term viability of natural carbon sinks. Relying solely on plants and trees to handle carbon capture disregards the importance of preserving these ecosystems.
Therefore, carbon capture technologies aim to supplement natural processes by directly capturing and storing carbon dioxide from industrial emissions, power plants, or the atmosphere. These technologies provide a means to mitigate carbon emissions and reduce the overall concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, complementing the role of plants and trees in carbon sequestration.