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Understanding Carbon Offset Through Tree Planting
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Trees absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis, storing carbon in their wood, leaves, and roots. A mature tree absorbs an average of 48 pounds (about 0.022 tons) of CO₂ per year, though fast-growing tropical species can absorb 2-3 times more.
To offset the average American's 16 tons of annual CO₂, you would need approximately 267 mature trees. Since young trees absorb less, organizations often plant more trees to account for the growth period. Tree planting is best combined with emission reductions.
Common use cases:
- Personal carbon offset planning
- Corporate sustainability programs
- Reforestation project scoping
Frequently Asked Questions
Sarah Chen
Financial Analyst, CFA
Sarah is a Chartered Financial Analyst with over 8 years of experience in investment management and financial modeling. She specializes in retirement planning and compound interest calculations.
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