Evolution gave us legs. We invented wheels.

Nature gave us eyes. We invented telescopes and microscopes.

Natural selection “only” does the bare minimum that beats the competition. It didn’t design plants to be maximally efficient at removing CO2. Plants do so while also having to deal with respiration, water conservation, heat management, reproduction, nutrient intake, disease prevention, etc.

I’m sure we can do better when we don’t concern ourselves with all that other stuff.