Poplar Hybrids and VOCs

These trees release volatile organic compounds, chemicals that can make air worse, not better.

About this study

P3 airplane hangerHybrid poplars, a common tree choice for plantations that supply pulp mills, likely affect air quality, but not in the way you might think. The trees release volatile organic compounds, chemicals that can make air worse, not better. Hybrid poplars may be planted in greater numbers in the form of a biofuel crop, which may affect air quality. CIRES Visiting Fellow Allyson Eller is putting poplars through the paces to find out exactly what these trees put into the air and what happens to these emissions as climate conditions change. Read more on Eller's web page.

Other CIRES Slideshows

P3 airplane hangerThe CalNex study embodies a “one atmosphere” perspective that addresses both air quality and climate change issues. A collaborative of NOAA, California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the California Energy Commission (CEC), this program utilizes state-of-the-art airborne, ship- and ground-based instrument packages, many developed and installed by CIRES scientists. See the show.