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

Thursday 25 February 2021 16:55 GMT
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Savannah Fire at Africa's Kruger National Park
Savannah Fire at Africa's Kruger National Park

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.

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