Eric Kim

Eric Kim, a laboratory technician, plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change through innovative forestry practices. He has successfully planted over 170,000 trees in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Ohio, focusing on underutilized lands such as abandoned mine areas. Among these, approximately 8,900 are photosynthesis-enhanced poplars, designed to accumulate 50% more biomass and capture over twice the carbon per acre compared to typical seedlings. Kim collaborates with private landowners to utilize these lands effectively, planting a mix of fast-growing and native species to prevent the spread of invasive species. His work also involves developing a variety of tree species with traits akin to slow-decomposing spruces, which are engineered to store carbon in high-quality wood for extended periods and use metal accumulation to detoxify soils contaminated by industrial activities. Notably, the trees engineered by Kim are all female and non-pollen producing, minimizing the risk of uncontrolled reproduction. His projects do not rely on monocultures, instead promoting biodiversity through mixed-stand forests. Furthermore, Kim has begun selling pre-purchased credits anticipated from the carbon capture of trees planted in 2023, valid through 2024. The USDA has determined that his photosynthesis-enhanced and decomposition-resistant hybrid poplar and loblolly pine trees do not require regulation as GMOs, facilitating their use in his groundbreaking environmental projects.