Forests’ vital carbon-storing abilities failing in areas affected by worsening wildfires, research shows
The natural world is not bouncing back from the burdens of the climate crisis, writes Harry Cockburn
The rising frequency and scale of forest fires around the world is reducing the ability of our planet’s woodlands to sequester carbon dioxide, alarming new research has shown.
Trees’ absorption and storage of carbon are a critical part of maintaining stable weather systems on Earth, but as temperatures rise, our forests are not able to keep pace with the changes.
Scientists have said the rise of more intense and frequent fires, combined with droughts associated with the climate crisis, are resulting in fewer trees growing in affected areas, as repeated burning means woodlands are not able to recover.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies