Positive Thinking

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Positive Thinking: Can GM trees capture our carbon?

Can GM trees capture our carbon?

BBC Radio 4 - Positive Thinking, Can GM trees capture our carbon?

Are genetically modified trees the secret to capturing our planet’s excess carbon?

Sangita Myska hears from Living Carbon, the company that has developed genetically modified trees that grow 30-50% quicker and capture more carbon from the atmosphere.

Sangita Myska speaks to the co-founder of Living Carbon, Patrick Mellor, who helped develop the world’s first GM trees specifically designed to capture more carbon from the atmosphere. 

The biotechnology they have developed improves photosynthesis in poplar trees, allowing them to grow faster and also resist decomposition for longer. Living Carbon hopes to use these trees to power the level of carbon draw down needed to maintain an optimal level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. 

But are faster growing trees the evolutionary hack we’ve been looking for?

Sangita discusses the science and possible consequences with a panel of experts, including Dr Amanda Cavanagh, Plant Geneticist at the University of Essex, Kevin Martin, Head of Trees at Kew, and Dr Ricarda Steinbrecher, Co-Founder of Econexus. 

Producer: Leonie Thomas
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

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Can GM trees capture our carbon?

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