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 In an attempt to fight climate
change and promote reforestation, a nonprofit group of scientists
called the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive are cloning California’s
iconic redwood trees to be
planted abroad.
The laboratory-produced specimens
measured 18 inches before they were planted on Earth Day in Australia,
New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, Germany and the United
States. They are the genetic duplicates of three giants
that were cut down over a century ago in northern California.
 The
scientists find it imperative to reforest the planet, and
have focused on duplicating redwoods and sequoias because they are
some of the largest and oldest trees around.
This sample reflects their belief that these trees have superior
genes, which enable them
to outlive other species. In addition, they consider these trees
best suited to absorb massive volumes of carbon dioxide, the primary
source of climate change, due to their massive stature.
 Cuttings
from more than 70 redwoods and giant sequoias were used to create
several thousand clones, currently in various stages of growth.
Now, the challenge is to find a home for these trees and people
to nurture them, as well as
money in the form of donations to sustain the project.
Without people, the trees would only have a 10 percent chance of
survival when left alone after planting. Fortunately, people have
pledged to properly care
for the Archangel redwoods that were planted around the world on
Earth Day. |
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