Environmental Studies and Forestry

Forest carbon sink neutralized by pervasive growth-lifespan trade-offs

R. J. W. Brienen, L. Caldwell, et al.

This research conducted by R. J. W. Brienen and colleagues reveals a crucial insight about our planet's forests: while they have been absorbing significant carbon emissions, faster tree growth may ironically lead to shorter lifespans, compromising future carbon gains. This has major implications for climate modeling and underscores the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.