Algeria’s Desert Could Hold the Key to Halving Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions

How One Country Could Make a Big Difference in this Fight ?

The Algerian Desert, located in the northern part of Africa, is a vast, arid expanse of land, spanning over 84% of Algeria’s total area.

The desert is home to several unique features, including the world’s largest underground aquifer, the Sahara aquifer, and several wind farms that provide renewable energy to the region.

Before examining the Algerian Desert’s potential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is crucial to understand the current situation regarding emissions.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change. The primary greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are the primary sources of GHG emissions.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global GHG emissions have been steadily increasing since the Industrial Revolution.

The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased by 47% since pre-industrial times. In 2019, global CO2 emissions reached 36.4 billion tonnes, with China, the United States, and India being the top emitters.

To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the IPCC recommends reducing global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Achieving these targets will require significant reductions in emissions across all sectors, including energy, transportation, and agriculture.

The Algerian Desert’s Potential in Reducing GHG Emissions

The Algerian Desert has several unique features that make it an ideal location for reducing GHG emissions.

These features include:

Abundant Solar Energy

The Algerian Desert receives an average of 3,000 hours of sunlight per year, making it one of the sunniest places on earth. This abundant solar energy can be harnessed through solar power plants and used to generate clean electricity. According to this thesis “Eco-balance of a Solar Electricity Transmission from North Africa to Europe “ , Algeria has the potential to generate up to enough of solar energy, to power Europe.

Carbon Sequestration Potential

The Algerian Desert is home to several underground aquifers, including the Sahara aquifer, the world’s largest underground water reserve. These aquifers can be used for irrigation and drinking water, reducing the need for energy-intensive desalination plants.

A Belgian television channel unveiled an incredible documentary on the miraculous power of water in Algeria. If you haven’t already, be sure to check it out — you won’t regret it!

The vast expanse of land provides ample opportunities for carbon sequestration through reforestation and afforestation.

Reforestation involves planting trees in areas that were previously forested, while afforestation involves planting trees in areas that were previously barren or used for other purposes. Both methods can help absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it in trees, soil, and other vegetation.

84% of its territory covered by desert, the North African country boasts an area of 1,999,244.44 km², equivalent to 19 billion hectares. It is a vast and arid landscape, but one that holds enormous potential in the battle against greenhouse gas emissions.

As we know, trees are among the most powerful tools at our disposal to counteract carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. One hectare of land is capable of accommodating between 1,000 to 1,500 trees

In 2015, a study published in the journal Nature estimated that there were 3 trillion trees on the entire planet.

Now imagine what Algeria could do if it committed to use 15.79% of its desert land? (2,998,100,000 hectares)

We will be talking about a potential plantation of 3 trillion trees !

This water, which is often unseen and rarely used, is the lifeblood of these futur trees

Reminder that even the most inhospitable places have a hidden abundance of life and potential.

Now it’s up to the young generation: will you commit to a reforestation project, or will you ruin priceless paintings at the London Museum, or dump milk in your local supermarket?

The choice is yours — and the consequences, too.

Let’s be real, the rewards could be huge.

By planting these trillion trees, Algeria could not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also combat soil degradation, erosion, and desertification. And that’s not even mentioning the potential for job creation and sustainable economic growth.

Will Algeria step-up to the plate and become a leader in the fight against climate change? Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? How ?

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