Research Shows One Whale is Worth Thousand Trees When it Comes to Carbon Absorption

New research from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is urging people to focus on saving whales to reduce carbon. According to the report, “When it comes to saving the planet, one whale is worth thousands of trees.” Their solution to sequester more carbon is to increase whale populations.

Whales have the ability to capture amazing amounts of carbon. These animals capture carbon in their bodies during their lifetimes, each whale can remove up to 33 tons of carbon from the atmosphere. A tree? Just 48 pounds of carbon annually.

Whale populations have been diminishing for centuries due to whaling and industry. According to the IMF, bringing whales up to previous population numbers could significantly impact the amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere. Whales also are symbiotic with phytoplankton, creatures that contribute to carbon capture and Support oxygen production on earth.

The authors wrote in the report, “Coordinating the economics of whale protection must rise to the top of the global community’s climate agenda. Since the role of whales is irreplaceable in mitigating and building resilience to Climate change, their survival should be integrated into the objectives of the 190 countries that in 2015 signed the Paris Agreement for combating climate risk.”

This undertaking would require significant monetary outpours, not to mention political strategy. Industrialized whaling would have to be completed stopped. Increasing whale populations and numbers would require significant cooperation and coordination. The IMF’s new report lays the blueprint for the change.

Read more about carbon in One Green Planet. Check out this article on carbon capture, How Using Carbon-Absorbing Soils Through Regenerative Farming Can Save The Earth.

The United Nation recently released a report warning countries about the dangers of climate change and has urged people to eat more plant-based as a way to curb it. We highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest meatless, plant-based, vegan and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

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