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A scientific proposal suggests that cutting down boreal forests and sinking the trees in the Arctic Ocean could remove up to 1 billion tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere each year. Coniferous trees could be floated down six major Arctic rivers, including the Yukon and Mackenzie, to sink in about a year.

Approximately 1 trillion tonnes of carbon are currently stored in boreal forest wood, soils, and peat. Logging 30,000 square kilometres along each river annually and replanting could absorb significant CO2.

However, concerns include biodiversity loss, potential flooding, and the risk of wood decomposing if not preserved properly. Researchers highlight past instances where wood has survived in cold environments for thousands of years, suggesting potential for carbon storage. Investigations into suitable seafloor conditions are needed, as previous examples indicate that wood might have historically influenced Earth's climate.