The discovery of Kenyan fig trees that convert CO2 into stone has global implications for climate change. This remarkable finding, where certain fig tree species in Kenya are able to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it as calcium carbonate, offers a promising avenue for a more sustainable future. This process, known as the oxalate-carbonate pathway, is a significant development in the fight against global warming.
The research, presented at the Goldschmidt conference in Prague, focused on three fig tree species in Samburu County, Kenya. The study revealed that Ficus wakefieldii is particularly effective in this process. The trees not only store carbon organically but also fix it as calcium carbonate, remaining on the ground for long periods. This is a key finding, according to researchers. The inorganic carbon in calcium carbonate typically has a much longer lifetime in the soil than organic carbon, making it a more effective method of CO2 sequestration.
The potential of these trees extends beyond carbon sequestration. Integrating them into agricultural systems could improve soil quality and enhance nutrient availability. This could lead to new strategies for combating climate change. The trees increase soil pH and enhance nutrient availability. The discovery highlights the potential of nature-based solutions to address climate change.
The global community should support further research and implementation of this technology. The Kenyan fig trees offer a symbol of hope in the fight for environmental well-being. The findings have been confirmed by multiple sources and are expected to be a major topic of discussion at the upcoming climate summit.