Study finds that trees cool the planet by one-third of a degree through biophysical mechanisms such as humidifying the air.
“This study gives us even more reasons why tropical deforestation is bad for the climate,” says Nancy Harris, forest-research director at the World Resources Institute in Washington DC.Forests are major players in the global carbon cycle because they soak up COfrom the atmosphere as they grow. Tropical forests, in particular, store around one-quarter of all terrestrial carbon on the planet, making them “centrepieces for climate policy” in their home countries, Griscom says.
Although scientists knew about these effects, they hadn’t understood to what extent the various factors counter global warming. Trees in the tropics provide shade, but they also act as giant humidifiers by pulling water from the ground and emitting it from their leaves, which helps to cool the surrounding area in a way similar to sweating, Griscom says.This transpiration, in turn, creates the right conditions for clouds, which like snow and ice in the Arctic, can reflect sunlight higher into the atmosphere and further cool the surroundings.
Threats to tropical rainforests are dangerous not only for the global climate, but also for communities that neighbour the forests, Lawrence says. She and her colleagues found that the cooling caused by biophysical effects was especially significant locally. Having a rainforest nearby can help to protect an area’s agriculture and cities from heatwaves, Lawrence says. “Every tenth of a degree matters in limiting extreme weather. And where you have forests, the extremes are minimized.
Governments across the tropics have struggled to conserve their forests despite more than two decades of global campaigns to halt deforestation, promote sustainable development and protect the climate. Lawrence says that her team’s findings make it clear that protecting forests is a matter of self-interest, and has immediate benefits for local communities.Lawrence, D., Coe, M., Walker, W., Verchot, L. & Vandecar, K.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Sleeping with even a little bit of light isn't good for your health, study showsJust a night or two of exposure to faint artificial light, like a TV, is enough to raise your pulse and increase insulin resistance — factors that raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes, researchers find.
Consulte Mais informação »
Gut microbe linked to depression in large health studyA study involving thousands of people in Finland has identified a potential microbial culprit in some cases of depression. WeekendReads
Consulte Mais informação »
The Cherry-Picked Study Behind Florida’s Recommendation Against COVID-19 Vaccines for KidsEpidemiologists explain why the dramatic drop in COVID vaccine protection is so suspicious.
Consulte Mais informação »
Human Sleep Falls Into at Least 16 Distinct Types, Large Data Study FindsA systematic review of sleep data from more than 100,000 people in the United Kingdom has revealed 16 distinct ways we snooze. The clusters could one day allow experts to better diagnose insomnia and preinsomnia in individuals.
Consulte Mais informação »
Artificial sweeteners might not be all bad: studyResearch shows that sugar substitutes offer a an alternative for those looking to lose weight - via healthing_ca healthing health canada
Consulte Mais informação »