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Can we build our cities out of wood instead of concrete and steel? Tom Heap learns how to build a skyscraper from carbon-sucking wood.

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Four presents 39 ideas to relieve the stress that climate change is exerting on the planet.

Trees soak up carbon dioxide, trees store carbon dioxide. So why not build with wood instead of concrete and steel? The usual reason is strength, but Dr Michael Ramage at Cambridge University has what he thinks is the answer- cross-laminated timber. It's strong enough to build a skyscraper and replaces lots of that carbon from conventional building. Tom Heap and Dr Tamsin Edwards take a look at the global possibilities of cities built of wood.

Producer : Alasdair Cross

Researcher: Sarah Goodman

Produced in association with the Royal Geographical Society. Special thanks for this episode to Dr Harry Kennard from University College London.

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14 minutes

Last on

Sat 29 Jan 2022 14:45

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  • Tue 5 Jan 2021 13:45
  • Sat 29 Jan 2022 14:45

Our Planet Now

Our Planet Now

The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s ongoing focus on the environment and the challenges facing our planet.

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