Welcome to our newsletter where we explore environmental trends and solutions for a sustainable world.
I’m Nick Logan. As a kid, I used to dig holes to bury things. Little did I know, that might have a climate connection. Recently, Johanna Wagstaffe and I discussed burying trees killed in wildfires to lock away their carbon. Let’s dive into this idea and other pressing environmental issues.
This week, we’re highlighting:
- Burying burnt wood as a climate solution
- Record heat waves affecting the western U.S.
- China’s rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and its implications for Canada
Burying Burnt Wood as a Climate Solution
After wildfires, can burying trees help prevent carbon emissions? Yes, it might. This concept began in 2013 when Ning Zeng, a climate scientist at the University of Maryland, explored the benefits of burying dead wood. His research proved that logs buried under layers of soil can retain up to 95% of their stored carbon, remaining intact for thousands of years.
Zeng found a 3,700-year-old Eastern red cedar log that was almost perfectly preserved. This discovery showed that an oxygen-deprived environment slows down decay, which can be key in reducing carbon released into the atmosphere.
Inspired by Zeng, Grant Canary, CEO of Mast Reforestation, led one of the first commercial-scale wood burial projects after a wildfire in Montana. His team buried about 4.5 million kilograms of burnt trees in a specially constructed pit to trap carbon and prevent release back into the atmosphere. They also set up sensors to monitor carbon leakage.
However, it’s important to consider potential ecological effects. Alana Clason from the Bulkley Valley Forest Research Centre raises concerns about how this could impact nutrient cycles and water processes in affected ecosystems. Zeng acknowledges that responsible planning is critical for ensuring these practices are beneficial.
In recent years, more emphasis has been placed on carbon credits. Mast Reforestation has sold 80% of the carbon credits generated from their burial project, reflecting a growing trend in funding environmental efforts through carbon markets. This could open doors for larger projects in the future.
Heat Waves and Snowpack in the Western U.S.
March typically sees peak snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains, but this year is different. Record heat waves are predicted to affect ski destinations, leading to an alarming decrease in snow levels. Researchers have linked early snowmelt to a longer fire season, making landscapes drier and more combustible. This early start to fire season has been observed in several states, including California and Colorado.
According to Jared Balik, a climatology researcher, massive reductions in snow contribute to worse fire seasons. His studies have shown that with less snow, the risk and severity of wildfires increase significantly.
China’s Electric Vehicle Surge
China is setting the pace for electric vehicles, with EVs accounting for half of new car purchases in September 2025. Premiering innovations like self-parking capabilities, luxury features, and rapid battery-swapping stations, China is reshaping the auto industry. NIO, a major EV manufacturer, has built over 3,000 battery-swapping stations, offering a quick three-minute battery exchange—a significant improvement over standard charging times.
As Canada prepares to welcome Chinese-made EVs, successful entries could pave the way for greater acceptance worldwide. However, concerns about data security and a potential threat to domestic automakers remain. The integration of Chinese brands may offer Canadian consumers more choices and push forward EV adoption.
While immediate access to lower-cost models may be delayed, the interest from companies like BYD and Geely signals a significant shift in the automotive landscape. These developments not only reflect a growing global market for EVs but also emphasize the need for robust infrastructure to support this transition.
Thanks for reading! We’d love to hear your thoughts; send your feedback to whatonearth@cbc.ca.
