Researchers report that the intrinsic water use efficiency of a population of long-lived white cedar trees in northeastern Canada has increased since 1850, likely due to elevated carbon assimilation rates in response to increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations; however, no associated increase in growth rates was observable in tree rings, suggesting that stimulation of photosynthesis by CO2 does not necessarily lead to increased carbon storage.
Article #18-16686: "North America's oldest boreal trees are more efficient water users due to increased [CO2], but do not grow faster," by Claudie Giguère-Croteau et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Étienne Boucher, Université du Québec à Montréal, CANADA; tel: 514-654-6599; e-mail: boucher.etienne@uqam.ca ; Claudie Giguere-Croteau, Université du Québec à Montréal, CANADA; tel: 514-531-8263; e-mail: claudie.giguere.c@gmail.com
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences