Can we filter greenhouse gases from the atmosphere?

Asked by: Will Marritt, Hampshire

Removing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere is tricky. Some new technologies use chemical filters to extract CO₂ from the air, but come with a hefty price tag. A more promising method relies on plants’ natural ability to absorb ambient CO₂ as they grow, transforming it into biomass. Planting trees or crops therefore results in a net removal of CO₂ from the air. Taking things one step further, this plant matter can be burned inside specially adapted power stations that produce energy while capturing the CO₂emitted and burying it underground. This technology is, however, still undergoing development.

Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.