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Will we all Live in 'Plyscrapers' in the Future?

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If we made 90% of our new buildings from wood, we could reduce our global CO2 emissions and improve our wellbeing. Tom Heap explores the remarkable benefits of building with wood.

Making 90% of our new buildings from wood, rather than concrete and steel, could cut global CO2 emissions by 4% - more than the climate footprint of flying. How? Growing trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and when used in construction, that CO2 remains stored in the wood – carbon captured in your beams, floors and walls. Now, treated timber can be versatile enough to build housing estates and strong enough for skyscrapers – or “plyscrapers”. Tom Heap explains how it all works – and explores the benefits of living in a more wooden world.

“Plyscrapers” are just one idea featured in the Radio 4 series 39 Ways to Save the Planet.

Release date:

4 minutes

Credit

Role Contributor
Animator Kong Studio

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BBC Ideas: Short films and videos for curious minds

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