Releasing global forests from human management: How much more carbon could be stored?

Science, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 380(6646), P. 749 - 753

Published: May 18, 2023

Carbon storage in forests is a cornerstone of policy-making to prevent global warming from exceeding 1.5°C. However, the impact management (for example, harvesting) on carbon budget remains poorly quantified. We integrated maps forest biomass and with machine learning show that by removing human intervention, under current climatic conditions dioxide (CO2) concentration, existing could increase their aboveground up 44.1 (error range: 21.0 63.0) petagrams carbon. This an 15 16% over levels, equating about 4 years anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Therefore, without strong reductions emissions, this strategy holds low mitigation potential, sink should be preserved offset residual emissions rather than compensate for present levels.

Language: Английский

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More than one quarter of Africa’s tree cover is found outside areas previously classified as forest

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: May 2, 2023

Abstract The consistent monitoring of trees both inside and outside forests is key to sustainable land management. Current systems either ignore or are too expensive be applied consistently across countries on a repeated basis. Here we use the PlanetScope nanosatellite constellation, which delivers global very high-resolution daily imagery, map forest non-forest tree cover for continental Africa using images from single year. Our prototype 2019 (RMSE = 9.57%, bias −6.9%). demonstrates that precise assessment all tree-based ecosystems possible at scale, reveals 29% found areas previously classified as in state-of-the-art maps, such croplands grassland. Such accurate mapping down level individual among has potential redefine impacts landscapes, move beyond need definitions, build basis natural climate solutions tree-related studies.

Language: Английский

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Mechanisms and Impacts of Earth System Tipping Elements

Reviews of Geophysics, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 61(1)

Published: Feb. 16, 2023

Abstract Tipping elements are components of the Earth system which may respond nonlinearly to anthropogenic climate change by transitioning toward substantially different long‐term states upon passing key thresholds or “tipping points.” In some cases, such changes could produce additional greenhouse gas emissions radiative forcing that compound global warming. Improved understanding tipping is important for predicting future risks and their impacts. Here we review mechanisms, predictions, impacts, knowledge gaps associated with 10 notable proposed be elements. We evaluate approaching critical whether shifts manifest rapidly over longer timescales. Some have a higher risk crossing points under middle‐of‐the‐road pathways will possibly affect major ecosystems, patterns, and/or carbon cycling within 21st century. However, literature assessing scenarios indicates strong potential reduce impacts many through mitigation. The studies synthesized in our suggest most do not possess abrupt years, exhibit behavior, rather responding more predictably directly magnitude forcing. Nevertheless, uncertainties remain elements, highlighting an acute need further research modeling better constrain risks.

Language: Английский

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Human fingerprint on structural density of forests globally

Nature Sustainability, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 6(4), P. 368 - 379

Published: Jan. 19, 2023

Language: Английский

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Forest conservation in Indigenous territories and protected areas in the Brazilian Amazon

Nature Sustainability, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 6(3), P. 295 - 305

Published: Jan. 2, 2023

Language: Английский

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