As a result of their faster growth and accumulation of 53% more biomass, trees that have had their photosynthesis enhanced by Living Carbon are better able to capture 27% more carbon dioxide than those that have not. It has long been known that trees are capable of capturing a lot of carbon in a short period of time, but this new research shows that this is possible in trees for the first time. Trees that are commonly planted should have the same capacity for photosynthesis as the most efficient 15 percent of plants, Living Carbon’s research aims to achieve
Using data gathered over two years from multiple propagation cycles of photosynthesis enhanced hybrid poplar seedlings, the research shows how this improved genetic trait could be a living climate solution ready for large-scale deployment. The research builds on decades of scientific research. New ecological and economic eras will be ushered into existence by Living Carbon’s comprehensive research analysis of more than 3000 acres of carbon projects with private landowners in the Southeast United States.
As a public benefit company, Living Carbon’s goal as a co-founder and CSO of Yumin Tao is to meet the urgency of the climate crisis by utilizing genetic engineering to build on billions of years’ evolution to balance the climate within our timeframe.
“We have surpassed the point where reducing emissions alone will be enough to rebalance our ecosystems and stabilize our planet,” says Maddie Hall, Co-founder and CEO of Living Carbon. Large-scale carbon removal is needed right now. Approximately 13 million acres of land are needed to meet our goal of reducing two percent of global emissions by 2050. It is only a matter of time before biotechnology in trees is shown to be a scalable and viable solution to the climate crisis,” says the lead researcher.
To build on what nature has already accomplished, Living Carbon poses the question, “Are we capable of storing carbon with the same ingenuity that allowed us to release it?” C4 photosynthesis, which relies on anatomical changes only possible in a select group of plants, is a naturally occurring method of increasing photosynthesis efficiency in some plants. Instead of requiring extensive anatomical alterations, the method employed by Living Carbon achieves comparable carbon capture results by making use of and enhancing existing natural processes. Living Carbon’s trees use less energy to recycle a harmful byproduct of photosynthesis, allowing them to grow faster and accumulate more CO2 over time.
Many climate solutions are being researched by the company, including trees that have been enhanced for photosynthesis. As a result, Living Carbon trees can accumulate higher levels of metals in their roots, which naturally slows decay to increase carbon storage and produce more durable wood products as well as clean soils that have been contaminated by industrial activity. The company is taking advantage of its unique ability to grow on land with a high concentration of heavy metals to target underperforming timberland, abandoned agricultural land, and abandoned mine land.
For the past several years, Living Carbon and Oregon State University (OSU) have collaborated to plant photosynthesis-enhanced trees and provide ongoing molecular and physiological analysis of the trees.
This new approach to improving photosynthesis efficiency is exciting to field test with Living Carbon. Planted trees could potentially store more carbon if this method proves successful in the field. In order to bring the best ideas and technology to the work, Living Carbon has an excellent group of scientists working closely with our own faculty and students.” Forest Biotechnology Distinguished Professor Steve Strauss at Oregon State University’s Dept. of Forest Ecosystems and Society.
Living Carbon has raised $15 million from investors in order to create a future in which sequestering carbon is both economically and ecologically viable. With Felicis Ventures, Lowercarbon Capital and Goat Capital as well as many prominent angel investors like Kimball and Christiana Musk as well as Scott Belsky, Albert Wenger & Susan Danziger as well as Matt Brezina as part of this ecosystem.
“Living Carbon is a unique company because it has figured out how to use advanced biotechnology and innovation in plant biology to make trees capture more carbon while growing faster and more resistant to decay. Using this novel approach, we can achieve a much greener and carbon-free world,” he says. Said Aydin Senkut, Felicis Ventures’ founder and managing partner.
The link to the full whitepaper can be found at the bottom of this page. Living Carbon’s photosynthesis-enhanced trees will soon be available for purchase, so if you’d like to stay up to date on developments, sign up here.
