Trees may store less planet-heating carbon than hoped, study suggests
A new study suggests that trees may store less carbon than previously estimated because photosynthesis does not always correlate with wood growth. Researchers found that trees often stop growing months before photosynthesis ceases, challenging current climate models.
Why it matters
Accurate carbon sequestration data is critical for climate change mitigation strategies, as current models may be overestimating the capacity of forests to offset fossil fuel emissions.
Forests are a vital defence against climate breakdown but their power depends in part on how much carbon dioxide they can convert into wood. Photograph: Drbouz/Getty View image in fullscreen Forests are a vital defence against climate breakdown but their power depends in part on how much carbon dioxide they can convert into wood. Photograph: Drbouz/Getty Greenhouse gas emissions Trees may store less planet-heating carbon than hoped, study suggests Photosynthesis does not always result in wood growth, a key factor in carbon dioxide sequestration
The article reports on scientific findings without political framing or loaded language.
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