It seems like simple arithmetic: a tree can absorb up to a ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime, so planting one should be an easy way to mitigate climate change. Turns out it's not so simple. Recent studies have shown that trees in temperate latitudesincluding most of the U.S.actually have a net warming effect on the climate. The heat that dark leaves absorb outweighs the carbon they soak up.
The Global Warming Survival Guide
Can one person slow global warming? Actually, yes. Youalong with scientists, businesses and governmentscan create paths to cut carbon emissions. Here is our guide to some of the planet's best ideas.