Tree

New forests grow faster but are more sensitive to climate change

A study led by CREAF has found that new forests growing on abandoned rural land are able to capture more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere than long-established forests. This effect could be temporary, however, as the wood of their trees is less dense, making them more vulnerable to extreme climate events.

Climate change Ecosystem services Forests Global change Josep maria espelta @en Land uses change Mediterranean Raquel alfaro @en Reservoir Tree

Increased CO2 only leads to faster growth in plants if they have enough water

According to a study published recently in the journal PNAS, climate change has caused forests to alter the way they grow, in that they only take advantage of the fertilizing effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) to grow faster if they have plenty of water.

Carbon dioxide Climate change Forestry Forests Pinus @en Plants Rossella guerrieri @en Stomata Tree Uhn @en Usa