Carbon removal is the elimination of existing carbon emissions from the atmosphere. Trees are without a doubt the best carbon removal technology in the world. When they perform photosynthesis, they pull carbon dioxide out of the air, bind it up in sugar, and release oxygen. Trees use sugar to build wood, branches, and roots. Wood is an incredible carbon sink because it is mostly made of carbon (about 50%), it lasts for years as a standing tree, and takes years to break down after the tree dies. While trees mainly store carbon, they also release some carbon, such as when their leaves decompose, or their roots burn sugar to capture nutrients and water.