How much CO2 does a tree absorb?
This is a complex question: there are many types of tree growing in diverse ecosystems where the amount of water, nutrients, sunlight and wind play important roles. As there are other types of plant that absorb CO2, Trees for Travel calculates how much CO2 the whole forest ecosystem absorbs. A mature European broad-leafed forest has absorbed 600 tonnes of CO2 per hectare (an annual average of 6 tonnes per hectare per year). A value for a tropical forest can rise to as much as 1200 tonnes.