Isn't this possible?

[grandmasterkim]

What I don't get about the whole CO2 thing is this: Why don't we just build tree-machines that convert CO2 into oxygen?

Comments

[mantispid]

Tree machines?

There are already CO2/O2 exhangers.. they use 'em on spacecraft and on submarines, for instance.

But, converting too much CO2 to O2 would be bad... it would harm plant life... and if the O2 levels got too high on this planet, there would be a lot more fire outbreaks (though there isn't enough CO2 in the atmosphere to significantly raise the O2 levels).

One of the positives of higher CO2 levels is much more lush plantlife.

[grandmasterkim]

So don't convert too much?

[grandmasterkim]

The submarine CO2 scrubbers use steam to power them, I believe.

[photozenic]

I think it would be easier to just plant more trees, but maybe I'm just crazy like that.

[grandmasterkim]

Ideal? Yes.
Faster, space-saving, and more effective? Not really.

[photozenic]

better for the mental health of people though, yes.

the best answers aren't always the most efficient, but that's not to say a multi-solution answer couldn't work.

I just remembered, btw, a german firm is designing giant co2 scrubbers. they're the size of windmills, and look like car radiators. a little overbearing, in my opinion, but no reason you couldn't integrate a few smaller ones on a building.

[grandmasterkim]

I agree. I love seeing trees and nature. I really miss the ocean too. I think there is a reason that people's visions of a dark depressing world all involve nothing but buildings and machines everywhere with no plant or animal life. There's just something about seeing nothing but concrete when you look around.