A recent study published in the journal Nature suggests that restoring global forests to their natural states could potentially capture an additional 226 gigatons of carbon, equivalent to about a third of human emissions since the Industrial Era. The research, involving over 200 authors, aims to address the controversy surrounding a 2019 study that fueled the Trillion Trees movement.
The key finding is consistent with a previous study from last year, indicating that the extra carbon storage would primarily come from allowing existing forests to recover to maturity. However, crucial questions remain, such as the impact on timber, rubber, and palm oil industries if all current forests are protected, the speed at which forests can sequester carbon, and the potential loss of forest carbon due to factors like fire, drought, and pests intensified by climate change.
Thomas Crowther, the study’s senior author, emphasizes that achieving the 226 gigatons of storage is contingent on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He warns against misusing nature as a tool for carbon offsets without simultaneously addressing the root cause of emissions.
Forests play a pivotal role in addressing climate and biodiversity crises, offering various benefits to ecosystems and human societies. Dr. Crowther, who was also involved in the 2019 study, acknowledges that the previous narrative portrayed trees as a silver bullet for climate change, leading to potential misuse by countries and companies.
The study indicates that 61% of the additional carbon storage would come from protecting existing forests, while the remaining 39% would result from growing trees in deforested areas with low human footprints. The data is based on excluding urban areas, croplands, and pastures but including rangelands.
While the study received positive feedback, some scientists highlight the need to keep forest carbon drawdown in perspective due to finite land availability. Concerns include inappropriate tree planting in non-forested ecosystems, potential negative impacts on biodiversity, and the warming effects of trees in colder and drier climates.
Ultimately, experts agree that addressing climate change requires substantial efforts to reduce fossil fuel use and halt deforestation of old-growth forests. The study underscores the potential of trees as a valuable ally in the fight against climate change, provided they are part of a comprehensive strategy.
