The recent IPCC report and the UN’s report on climate change make it clear that we are running out of time to address the growing issue of CO2 in our atmosphere. Hundreds of startups have emerged, working tirelessly to develop innovative solutions to combat this problem. Some focus on direct air capture technologies, like Climeworks, which raised $110 million in April. These engineered solutions use expensive and complicated machinery to pull carbon from the atmosphere, injecting it back into the ground for long-term storage.
However, there is a more efficient way of capturing carbon that has been around for much longer: photosynthesis. Nature-based solutions tend to focus on this approach, including tree planting or soil restoration. These methods have been championed by nonprofits like The Nature Conservancy and American Forests. In the world of climate mitigation, nature-based solutions are cheap and abundant but are seen as short-term carbon removals because much of the carbon is at risk of being released back into the atmosphere if a fire burns through a forest or a human cuts down the trees.
Engineered solutions, on the other hand, are more durable and quantifiable but come with a hefty price tag. They are also in short supply. Living Carbon, a San Francisco-based startup that exited stealth mode in March, is working at the intersection of nature and engineered solutions to combat climate change.
Unlocking the Power of Photosynthesis
Living Carbon’s approach leverages human innovation to make trees more powerful carbon sinks. The company has developed elite genetics that enhance tree growth for carbon removal purposes. By using these genetically superior trees, landowners can plant trees that grow faster than traditional ones, making them a more effective tool in the fight against climate change.
Reducing CO2 Emissions from Decomposition
Living Carbon is also working to reduce CO2 emissions from decomposition by slowing down the process. This is achieved by finding genes that reduce the rate at which trees decompose after they die. By making the life cycle of trees longer, Living Carbon aims to keep more carbon out of the atmosphere for a longer period.
Breaking Ground in Unconventional Areas
The company is also exploring ways to engineer trees to grow on land previously unable to support them, such as old mining areas. By creating trees that have a higher tolerance for heavy metals like nickel, Living Carbon aims to make more land available for tree planting and increase the effectiveness of carbon sequestration efforts.
A $15 Million Boost
Living Carbon’s innovative approach has attracted a significant investment of $15 million in Series A funding from Felicis Ventures, Lowercarbon Capital, Goat Capital, Prelude Ventures, and other investors. This injection of capital will enable the company to further develop its technology and expand its reach.
The Holy Grail of Climate Change Solutions
According to Living Carbon’s co-founders, the ability to utilize biology’s highly energy-efficient nature to permanently sequester carbon is the holy grail in the fight against climate change. By leveraging human innovation to enhance the natural world, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Related Topics
- Carbon Capture: Understanding the various methods and technologies being developed to capture CO2 emissions.
- Climate Change: The latest news, research, and insights on this pressing global issue.
- Startups: Discovering innovative companies working towards a more sustainable future.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, trends, and innovations in the field of climate change and carbon sequestration.