(CNN) -- An engineering firm has unveiled plans to turn the Eiffel Tower into a vast, tree-like monument by cladding its mesh iron body in over 600,000 plants. The controversial proposal from Ginger -- a French company that specializes in ecological design projects -- would cost $97 million and remove 87.8 tons of carbon dioxide from the Paris skies, according to the company's calculations. Ginger CEO Jean-Luc Schonebelen concedes that it is probably not the most efficient form of carbon sequestration, but says the idea -- which has so far received no official endorsement from Paris City Council -- could have profound symbolic value.
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French engineering firm unveils plan to adorn Paris monument with 600,000 plants
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If given the go-ahead, "world's tallest tree" could absorb over 80 tons of CO2, says firm
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The temporary installation, which will cost $97 million, is likely to face opposition
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Eiffel Tower
If Schonebelen has his way, thousands of hemp sacks brimming with soil and 48 varieties of seedlings would be fastened to "@placeholder" -- or "the iron lady," the tower's French nickname -- by the end of next year.
French
French
If Schonebelen has his way, thousands of hemp sacks brimming with soil and 48 varieties of seedlings would be fastened to "La dame de fer" -- or "the iron lady," the tower's @placeholder nickname -- by the end of next year.
Ginger
Ginger
Staff at @placeholder have been developing the mechanics behind the proposal for the past 18 months.