According to a CNN report, scientist in the US are busy creating a “synthetic tree” which is capable of removing CO2 from the atmosphere 1000 times faster than a real tree.

Although the contraption doesn’t look anything like a real tree (it looks more like a convenience store with a giant wheel made up of venetian blinds on top), it is capable of removing a ton of CO2 per day… about the amount 20 cars produce in 1 day. 

The “synthetic tree” literally grabs CO2 out of the air and can do it anytime, anywhere. The device works when the wind blows through the venetian blind thingies (not the technical term). The CO2 that enters is trapped in a chamber, compressed and stored as liquid carbon dioxide. But therein lies one of the problems. What do you do with the liquid CO2? The current answer is “bury it, or store it away somewhere”… hmm. I guess it’s better stored away somewhere than floating free in the atmosphere creating mayhem!

Currently the device requires grid-produced electricity to capture the CO2, but it’s relatively efficient removing 1,000 units of CO2 for every 200 units that are reemitted by the power plants creating the electricity it consumes. Thus creating 800 total units removed. But as the nation’s power plants become more carbon neutral, the “synthetic tree” would also become more efficient. With 100% carbon free power (nuclear, wind, solar, etc.) the unit would run at 100% efficiency… make sense?

The makers of the device are currently writing proposals to the US Department of Energy requesting funding. I hope everything works out, as I’m sure additional funding would lead to bigger and better models. 

Click here for the complete CNN article and to see an illustration of the device.