In a groundbreaking study, scientists from Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science challenge the conventional wisdom on environmental solutions. The research, published in PNAS Nexus, asserts that, in dry regions, solar farms are more effective than forests in offsetting climate change damage.
A Paradigm Shift in Climate Solutions
Traditionally, tree planting has been hailed as the optimal strategy against climate change, countering the impact of deforestation. Trees, through photosynthesis, absorb substantial carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.
While solar farms were previously discussed, concerns about their climate impact hindered widespread adoption. The key discovery: dark solar panels on light-colored desert soil reflect sunlight, preventing additional atmospheric heat.
Scientific Validation and Methodology
The researchers compared data from solar panel fields in the Arava region of the Negev Desert with information from Yatir Forest over 20 years. Their mobile station measured energy exchanges between the ground and the atmosphere.
Surprisingly, the study found that solar farms offset emitted heat with carbon emissions in just two and a half years, a stark contrast to forests that require over a century of photosynthesis. The research considered factors like panel manufacturing, transportation, operation, and energy storage.
Preserving Forests and Adapting Strategies
Study leaders Rafael Stern, Jonathan Muller, and Eyal Rotenberg emphasized the importance of preserving forests. While solar farms prove effective in arid regions, forests play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and the global rain cycle.
The study challenges conventional wisdom, offering a new perspective on combating climate change in arid regions, where most open land reserves exist.
Source：israel21c.org
