Why is it not possible for us to replicate photosynthesis chemically and so change excess co2 in the atmosphere back into carbon and oxygen?
Sarah Greaves from Northumberland (Aged 45-54)
Filed under: age 45-54, Answered Big Questions, Biology Big Questions, Botany Big Questions, Chemistry Big Questions, Engineering and Technology Big Qs, Environment & Natural World Big Qs, Global Warming Big Questions, John Baxter's Big Answers, Mechanics and Transport Big Qs
Click here to take the FREE citizenship test
I’m not aware of anyone directly mimicking photosynthesis in this way, at least not to make sugars in the way that plants do – but it is definitely possible. In fact recently there has been some work on using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, which in turn can be combined with hydrogen to produce the sort of hydrocarbons used as fuels. You can read about this in a recent issue of New Scientist (4 March 2008)