A 2025 study reveals a North America-sized forest (9.5 million square miles) is needed to offset Big Oil’s carbon emissions, costing $10.8 trillion. Learn why afforestation alone isn’t enough.
A groundbreaking study in Communications Earth & Environment reveals that offsetting carbon emissions from the world’s 200 largest fossil fuel companies would require a North America-sized forest—approximately 9.5 million square miles. This finding highlights the immense challenge of relying on tree-planting to combat Big Oil’s climate impact.
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The Scale of a North America-Sized Forest
The study estimates that the 200 largest oil, gas, and coal companies hold reserves containing 200 billion tons of carbon, potentially emitting 742 billion tons of CO2. To offset this through afforestation, a North America-sized forest would be needed, covering an area equivalent to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico combined. The cost, based on the OECD’s $14 per ton of carbon offset, is an estimated $10.8 trillion—exceeding the companies’ combined market value of $7.01 trillion and about 11% of global GDP.
Why a North America-Sized Forest Isn’t Feasible
While a North America-sized forest could theoretically absorb significant CO2, experts like Nina Friggens, a study co-author, stress its impracticality, as it would displace agriculture, infrastructure, and habitats. Jonathan Foley of Project Drawdown compares emissions to an overflowing bathtub, urging a focus on halting fossil fuel use rather than relying on such a massive forest. Wildfires, like those in Canada and California in 2024, further complicate offsets, turning forests into carbon sources and contributing to an estimated 6.7 million hectares of forest loss.
Reducing Fossil Fuel Emissions
Fossil fuels drive ~90% of planet-warming emissions. A North America-sized forest can’t replace the need to cut emissions at the source. Four wealthy nations, including the U.S., plan oil and gas projects that could emit an estimated 32 billion tons of CO2, underscoring the urgency of renewable energy transitions. Reforestation maps in Nature Communications suggest high-potential areas for carbon removal but emphasize avoiding fire-prone zones.
What Can Be Done?
- Policy Action: Enforce stricter emissions regulations and promote clean energy.
- Corporate Accountability: Lawsuits, like one in Washington state, target Big Oil for climate damages.
- Public Advocacy: Support sustainable practices and climate-focused policies.
Conclusion
The concept of a North America-sized forest to offset Big Oil’s emissions illustrates the climate crisis’s scale. While tree-planting aids sustainability, stopping fossil fuel emissions is critical, especially with 2024’s record forest losses. Stay informed with The Interview Times’ Environment section for more climate insights.
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