Articles tagged with Forests
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Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that forest soils in south-western Germany absorb more methane as climate conditions become drier and warmer. This contradicts current international meta-analyses, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring for assessing the effects of climate change.
A 40-year greening project in China's Taklamakan Desert has successfully reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and increased solar-induced fluorescence, indicating a measurable carbon sink. The project demonstrates the potential of afforestation to mitigate climate change, despite being only a small dent in global emissions.
Researchers reconstructed annual canopy height maps for southern China, showing a 61% rise in average canopy height over three decades. Plantation forests grew faster than secondary forests, but ultimately reached greater heights. The study demonstrates the potential of satellite-based monitoring for tracking forest growth and informin...
Research found that deciduous tree dominance reduces wildfire carbon losses in boreal forests, storing more carbon above ground and releasing less in deep organic soils. This shift could help slow climate warming by reducing carbon emissions per unit area burned.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that satellite-derived forest maps often disagree, creating uncertainty for conservation, climate, and development policies. The discrepancies can be as high as a factor of 10, affecting millions of hectares and human lives.
Researchers build a robot to demonstrate how tropical bats spot insects perched on leaves using echolocation, revealing a plausible mechanism for the acoustic mirroring effect. The study suggests that bats can efficiently determine leaf occupancy by scanning sounds from an angle and listening for echoes.
Climate change is altering the global nitrogen cycle, affecting food security, water quality, and biodiversity. The review finds that elevated CO2 boosts plant growth but dilutes protein quality, while rising temperatures reduce yields and increase nitrogen losses.
Research suggests that tropical smallholder farms in fragmented landscapes can maintain healthy pollinator populations and fruit production, contrary to expectations. The study's findings highlight the importance of ecological diversity in supporting wild pollinators.
China's urban forests have grown significantly since 2010, increasing by 16.07 × 10^4 km² and storing up to 522.7 Tg C by 2060. The carbon sequestration rate peaked in 2015-2020, with a range of 1.92-22.8 Tg C/year.
A new study by the University of Leicester reveals that Africa's forests have switched from absorbing to emitting carbon, with approximately 106 billion kilograms lost per year between 2010 and 2017. This alarming shift underscores the urgent need for stronger global action to protect forests.
A recent study published in Global Change Biology found that functional diversity helps keep forest growth stable during prolonged periods of drought. Trees with different water-use strategies show stronger growth in drought years than those with opposite strategies.
A new study found that insectivorous birds in the Eastern Himalayas are declining in survival rates and body mass due to changes in forest microclimates after selective logging. The team suggests conserving primary forests and creating shade covers or supplementing water sources to support vulnerable species.
A new study reveals that human disturbances, such as logging and wildfires, are profoundly impacting the Amazon rainforest's ecological functions and evolutionary history. The researchers found that even sustainable management practices, like selective logging, have significant negative impacts on tree diversity.
A recent analysis of data from seven countries found that higher levels of greenness are associated with a 7% reduction in hospital admissions for all cause mental disorders. The protective effect increases with greater exposure to greenness, suggesting that urban design and health policy can be improved to protect mental health.
Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels can cause leaf temperatures to rise by up to 1.3°C in forests, with a greater impact during extreme heatwaves. This change is likely caused by reduced transpiration and could have significant effects on the water cycle globally.
A new study by Dr. Tiago de Melo Cartaxo from the University of Exeter reveals that UNESCO Biosphere Reserves' less prescriptive regulations promote harmonious coexistence between people and nature. The use of soft law instruments supports local responses and fosters community collaboration in environmental management.
Researchers at Kyoto University used LiDAR to measure the crown structure of 4,326 canopy trees across 23 forest census plots in Japan. The analysis revealed that canopy trees account for about 75% of total forest biomass across diverse forest types, providing a foundation for estimating total forest biomass and supporting sustainable ...
A long-term study in the White Mountains of New Hampshire found that recovering forests are using roots to mine minerals for nutrients, leading to improved stream pH but depleted soil fertility. This process enhances mineral weathering, which can make forests more vulnerable to future pollution.
Research from the University of Eastern Finland identifies three dimensions of Forest Happiness: a bond with natural-like forests, happiness from activities like berry picking, and forest management. The study found that damage to forests, such as clearcutting and biodiversity loss, negatively impacts perceived happiness.
Researchers found that increased canopy structural complexity drives positive biodiversity-productivity relationships in forests. Complementary use of canopy space by tree species enhances productivity and strengthens over time.
A new study suggests that Amazon forest trees have increased in size by an average of 3.2% every decade over the past few decades. The research found that both large and smaller trees have benefited from increased atmospheric carbon dioxide, leading to a significant increase in tree size.
A new international study shows that increasing tree species diversity does not necessarily make forests more resilient to prolonged droughts. The study found that the effects of diversity on tree growth can shift from beneficial to negative as droughts drag on, with some mixes even strengthening forest stress and competition for water.
Climate change is expected to bring increased damages and costs for European forestry, with gains in Northern Europe and losses in Central and Southern Europe. The study highlights the need for strategic adjustments to forest management to reduce economic losses and foster more climate-resilient forests.
A new study reveals that tropical forest soils may release enormous amounts of CO2 as they warm, potentially amplifying global warming. The research found that soil respiration increased by 42–204% in experimentally warmed plots, marking one of the largest CO2 release rates ever recorded.
A new study reveals complex mechanisms by which forests influence climate through interactions with aerosol formation, highlighting the need for regional consideration to maximize climate benefits. Forestation initiatives must balance competing effects of reduced surface albedo and aerodynamic disturbances on aerosol radiative effects.
Research by the University of Michigan reveals that biodiversity is crucial in forests, particularly in wet climates, where it promotes tree growth. In contrast, its impact is negligible in wet years within those same wet climates.
Researchers propose reforms to nature-based climate actions by accounting for feedbacks and ensuring outcomes that wouldn't have happened otherwise
A recent MIT study found that decreases in seed-dispersing animals can lead to a major reduction in forest carbon absorption. The researchers analyzed data from thousands of vegetation plots and found that healthy populations of seed-dispersing animals can absorb up to four times more carbon than similar forests with fewer animals.
A new study from Colorado State University and Western Colorado University found that aspen forests can act as natural firebreaks, slowing fires' spread. Aspen trees with high moisture content and chemical differences reduce flammability, making them more resistant to burning.
A global inventory reveals that natural areas have access to about a quarter less nitrogen than previously estimated, which could limit the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. This finding has implications for natural climate solutions, as nitrogen is essential to plant growth.
A new study by the University of Cambridge found that seaside and blue-colored places are more likely to evoke feelings of nostalgia in people. The research suggests that these environments have visual properties that contribute to positive emotions, including 'fractal property' and high contrast.
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a rare but deadly disease in the US, caused by a mosquito bite. People at risk include those living near swamps or marshes and outdoor workers, such as farmers and campers.
A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that mixed deciduous-conifer forests promote coexistence between red squirrels and dormice. The team observed both species living side by side in these forests, suggesting a potential role for mixed forest management in supporting biodiversity.
Research reveals that endangered longleaf pine ecosystems face mounting threats from intensifying hurricanes driven by climate change. The study calls for adaptive management and sustainable practices to mitigate the impact of tropical cyclones on these critical ecosystems.
Researchers used anonymized GPS data from smartphones to monitor how wildlife reacts to people, highlighting the potential of human mobility data in tracking human-wildlife conflicts. The study's findings can inform conservation planning, help protect animals and wild spaces, and ensure that recreational activities are done responsibly.
Researchers found large differences in species communities among old-growth, managed, and clearcut forests in boreal Europe. Species richness increases with forest age, especially in full-canopy forests.
The Amazon rainforest could withstand prolonged droughts caused by climate change, but this would come with significant losses, including the death of largest trees. This would lead to a reduction in the forest's ability to act as a vital carbon sink.
New research reveals that vegetation feedbacks played a key role in speeding up major climate changes during the late Miocene. Shifts in plant life intensified cooling in northern high latitudes and altered rainfall patterns in lower latitudes.
A groundbreaking international study found that spruce trees not only respond to solar eclipses but actively anticipate them by synchronizing their bioelectrical signals. Older trees exhibit a more pronounced early response, suggesting they retain environmental memory to inform younger trees of impending events.
A new satellite developed by Chalmers University of Technology will help monitor and measure the world's forest biomass. The system enables precise measurements of forest carbon stocks, aiding efforts to combat climate change.
A new study has confirmed that beech leaf disease, already devastating American beech, also affects European beech. Researchers used advanced microscopy to trace the effects of the nematode on European beech, finding similar symptoms and damage as in American beech.
A long-term shift towards drier conditions is reshaping landscapes and livelihoods globally, affecting 40% of Earth's land and 2.3 billion people. The research highlights solutions to adapt to a future where water is no longer guaranteed, including smarter irrigation strategies, data analytics, and restoring degraded land.
Researchers found that human activity, including military conquests and agricultural practices, led to the sudden collapse of swamp forests in the Pearl River Delta region around 2.1 thousand years ago. This event marked the beginning of a decline in biodiversity, contributing to local extinctions of various species.
Researchers found introduced tree species are picking up speed and decreasing native diversity over time. The study used data from a 120-year-old program to quantify the effects of introduced species on native ecosystems.
Researchers found that high tree mortality in upper canopy can promote oak regeneration when maple is removed from understorey. Plantings on thinned forest plots showed fewer signs of drought stress, supporting oak growth.
Researchers found that Ficus insipida tree cores can be used to characterize spatial and potentially temporal mercury emissions from artisanal gold mining. Tree rings showed higher mercury concentrations near mining sites, indicating a potential network of biomonitoring.
A new study reveals China's NTEs were significant sources of CH₄ and N₂O emissions between 1980 and 2020, with an accumulated GWP of 5.55 Pg CO₂-equivalent. The net warming effect is primarily driven by N₂O emissions.
A professor is conducting a study to increase forest farming in Appalachia, with the goal of creating a sustainable economy for the region. The project aims to develop the workforce and formalize businesses to ensure efficient supply chains.
A new study by Holden Forests & Gardens reveals that American beech trees are experiencing significant mortality and reduced growth due to beech leaf disease, with 30% of trees dying since its emergence in northeast Ohio. The disease has also slowed tree growth, energy loss, and increased mortality in affected plots.
Andalusian forests have increased in mass by 30 years, with growth primarily occurring during 1994-2005, attributed to factors like climate change, adaptation, and forest management. The study highlights the importance of remote sensing for monitoring large areas and detecting changes in vegetation.
Researchers at Cornell Lab of Ornithology use acoustic monitoring to track forest bird species and inform forest management decisions. The study creates detailed maps showing where different birds are likely to live, helping managers make better-informed decisions about thinning forests or conducting controlled burns.
Researchers have employed artificial intelligence and data analysis to improve forest protection, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive analysis. The innovative forest regeneration model forecasts how forests will grow and change over time, identifying best-suited tree species for different environments.
The research analyzed satellite images and machine learning to detect forest loss in Ukraine during the war. The study found that Ukraine lost over 800 km² of forests in 2022 and 772 km² in 2023, mainly due to fires in war-torn regions.
Superb lyrebirds are resourceful farmers, creating habitats suitable for their diet of worms, centipedes, and spiders. By arranging litter and soil, they promote more prey in areas with simulated lyrebird foraging.
New Jersey Institute of Technology biologist Xiaonan Tai receives a $1.16 million NSF CAREER Award to study how groundwater influences forest survival during climate stress, integrating ecology and hydrology perspectives.
Researchers found significant concentrations of persistent organic compounds in lichens and mosses in the Irati forest, exceeding those in similar environments. The study suggests that urban and agricultural practices have impacted local air quality, emphasizing the need for controlling combustion processes to reduce PAHs.
A study by Florida Atlantic University investigated how removing dead wood could reduce wildfire risks and enhance carbon storage. The research found that combining physical harvesting with thinning significantly reduced wildfire risks, while lowering carbon emissions and offering carbon sequestration through products like biochar.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that bark beetle infestation can slow down tree growth even before visible signs of mortality appear. The researchers used dendrometer measurements to monitor stem diameter variation in healthy and infested spruce trees.
A study published in Science Bulletin has created a comprehensive tree density map of China, estimating 142.6 billion trees across the country, with varying densities by region and ecosystem type.
Recent studies suggest that rising temperatures could disrupt the balance of Earth's climate by increasing plant water loss. In extreme heat, plants may lose too much water to conserve it, limiting photosynthesis and reducing their role as a carbon sink.