23. BLACK ALDER

The black Alder, the Birch, the Ash, the Maple, the Linden and the Elm, are considered to be ‘smog- eating’ plants. They are able to capture almost 4000 kg of carbon dioxide in about 20 years of life. These plants are able to block the emission of PM10 and to lower temperatures during warm and hot summers, too. Black Alder is the smallest plant among all those listed, with an average height of 10 meters which, despite its small size, manages to capture up to 2600 kg of CO₂ and to guarantee a strong absorption of gaseous pollutants. This is why many scholars argue that we should encourage the spread of green (public and private), able to capture smog and reduce air pollution, especially in cities.

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