Net Zero Games
For illustrative purposes, assume that a tree has a lifespan of 100 years. The tree absorbs more carbon dioxide as a mature tree and less as a sapling or when it is old. Years CO2 absorbed per year Total CO2 absorbed Total 0-10 1 10 10-50 5 200 210 50-70 5 100 70-100 3 90 400 One form of math : After 50 years the tree has absorbed 210 units. The tree is chopped down and burned, releasing the 210 back into the atmosphere. The tree is replaced with a new tree which in the next 50 years absorbs 210 units from the atmosphere. Since 210 was chopped and 210 planted, they cancel out over a period of 100 years and the operation is net-zero. The second form of math : If nothing happened then 400 units would be absorbed over 100 years, but because of the tree operation only 210 was absorbed resulting in a loss of 190. In addition, the tree operation inv