EVERYDAY PUSS hd Trees, Natural Regulators One problem facing scientists today is the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Nearly 20% of all carbon dioxide emissions come from electrical energy production for homes. About 0.35 kg of carbon prod- ucts, including carbon dioxide, are released into the atmosphere for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of elec- trical energy that is produced. ‘Trees absorb carbon diox- ide and store it as carbon compounds in their biomass—trunks, branches, Jeaves, and roots. One tree can absorb about 0.6 kg of carbon dioxide for every cubic decimeter of wood in the tree. Further, through energy conserva- tion, the tree can pre- vent 35 times that amount of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Planting trees around homes can save from 10-50% for cooling and 4-22% for heating. Planting trees improves our environment in many ways. Trees provide a habitat for liv- ing creatures, beautify urban landscapes, and give shade. In the future, their role as regulators of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will only increase our appreciation for trees. Exploring Further 1. Estimate the volume of a tree near your home or school. How much carbon diox- ide could this tree absorb? 2. What is happening to the Amazon rain for- est? What effect do you think this will have on the atmo- sphere? 3. Find out how trees use carbon dioxide. Discuss the chemistry involved. an 82 Formula-Based Problems