Better-Bred Crops Could Send Global Warming Out to Space
Scientists have used computer models to imagine a world where crops are specially bred to reflect away more light and heat, without compromising productivity.
http://www.psmag.com/navigation/nature-and-technology/crops-could-send-global-warming-out-to-space-80108/
"The planet is losing its albedo, but new research suggests it could be perked back up using sexy new approaches to crop breeding.
Albedo refers to reflectiveness, and high albedos help keep the globe cool by reflecting light and heat back out to space. For every drip of sheer white ice that melts away from the Arctic, the planet’s albedo droops a little more, hurrying global warming along.
With farmed land covering so much of the planet—about 15 percent of its ice- and waterless area—scientists are looking for ways that agriculture can help slow down climate change. One strategy scientists are investigating is the modification of crops to boost their albedo.
Plants generally evolved to soak up as much of the sun’s light as possible. The sun-rays falling on green chloroplasts drive the photosynthesis that underpins most food chains. Sunlight hogging canopies can also help a plant keep would-be vegetative competitors in the dark—and at bay.
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Not sure how long it would take to get there, but it's probably smart to explore it.
= new reply since forum marked as read
