Trees may store less planet-heating carbon than hoped, study suggests
Summary
A new study shows that trees may store less carbon in their wood than previously thought because photosynthesis does not always lead to wood growth. Researchers found that trees often stop growing before photosynthesis ends, especially during hot and dry conditions, which are becoming more common due to climate change.Key Facts
- Scientists studied 137 sites across the US to compare photosynthesis and tree growth.
- Trees stopped growing months before photosynthesis stopped each year.
- About 26-36% of carbon absorbed by photosynthesis happens after tree growth ends.
- Wood growth only happens during cooler, wetter conditions, which are less frequent as climate warms.
- Photosynthesis can continue at a reduced rate even when tree growth has stopped.
- Most current climate models assume photosynthesis and growth happen together, which may cause an overestimate of forest carbon storage.
- Forests store carbon for long periods mainly when it is turned into wood, not other parts of the tree.
- The study suggests forests may not be as strong a natural defense against climate change as expected if wood growth does not keep up with photosynthesis.
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