Mature Forests Show Increased Carbon Absorption Under Elevated CO2
New research reveals older trees can significantly boost wood production, aiding in climate mitigation.
- Study conducted at University of Birmingham's FACE experiment with 180-year-old oak trees.
- Trees exposed to higher CO2 levels showed a 9.8% increase in wood production over seven years.
- Results challenge previous assumptions about mature forests' response to elevated CO2.
- Findings support the role of established forests as medium-term carbon stores.
- Researchers emphasize the importance of forest conservation alongside reducing fossil fuel use.