These scientists want to capture more carbon with CRISPR crops

Scientists are trying to find a way to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in order to slow climate change. Plants taking up carbon dioxide could help push down temperatures in a warming world.

Many people associate carbon capture with trees, but the IGI is focused on agricultural crops. Brad Ringeisen is the executive director of IGI. Most crops grow faster than trees, which allows researchers to speed up the testing process.

The main goal of the IGI work is to make plants grow more quickly. Some of the side reactions that release carbon dioxide could be cut out.

The carbon in plants usually makes its way back into the air after it's eaten by animals or people. It's more important to keep carbon in the soil than it is to capture it.