Drier forests absorbing less carbon worldwide

The Age

Severe drought and high temperatures in parts of the world is causing forests to be less efficient as carbon sinks, according to satellite data. A senior CSIRO research scientist notes that, during the past decade, there has been a measurable overall decline in the leaf area of plants, reducing their ability to absorb carbon. Researchers expect this trend to affect Australia as rainfall patterns are changed by rising temperatures.

posted by seamas on August 26, 2010 at 7:40 am · filed under