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Tropical Forests Have Big Climate Benefits Beyond Carbon Storage
Article

Tropical Forests Have Big Climate Benefits Beyond Carbon Storage

Study finds that trees cool the planet by one-third of a degree through biophysical mechanisms such as humidifying the air.

Nature, 2022


Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Scientific
  • Engaging

Recommendation

As tropical forests disappear from Earth at an alarming rate, scientists clamor to define their essential roles in mitigating global warming. A new study finds that in addition to absorbing CO2, the biophysical aspects of tropical forests, such as humidification, cloud production and organic chemical release, produce massive atmospheric effects. Scientists say people should regard such forests as centerpieces of climate policy, protecting their surrounding communities and the planet as a whole.

Take-Aways

  • Tropical forests play a critical role in reducing global warming.
  • The new analysis underscores increasing worries about extreme tropic deforestation.
  • Besides providing shade, tropical trees act as humidifiers, soaking up groundwater and releasing it from leaves.

About the Author

Freda Kreier is a science journalist whose work has appeared in Nature, Science News, The Mercury News and Mongabay.