Human activity in various forms is blamed for the over-production of greenhouse gases and its consequent global warming. Up till now, nature has been able to balance out some of the greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide, by the process of PHOTOSYNTHESIS, whereby plants and certain micro-organisms absorb the atmospheric carbon dioxide and in the presence of chrorophyll, solar energy and water, convert it to sugar (carbohydrate) and oxygen, all products vital for life on earth. But because we are depleting forests at an alarming rate and at the same time producing carbon dioxide at unprecedented rates, this natural balance has all but gone out of control. Couldn't we therefore take a cue from nature by mimicking photosynthesis through the construction of giant carbon fixation factories in some of the world's deserts and warmer climates in order to reduce the amount of co2 currently being produced.? Is it achievable and feasible to mimick photosynthesis to any degree of efficiency?
2007-07-09
03:45:36
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3 answers
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asked by
Paleologus
3
in
Earth Sciences & Geology