This study investigates the impact of large-scale tree restoration (900 million hectares) on global water availability. Using an ensemble of Budyko models and the UTrack moisture recycling dataset, the researchers analyze the combined effects of increased evaporation and enhanced precipitation. Results reveal complex patterns, with water availability increasing up to 6% in some regions and decreasing up to 38% in others. The study highlights the need to consider hydrological effects in future tree-restoration strategies, as some water-scarce regions could experience further reductions in water availability.

Anne J. Hoek van Dijke, Martin Herold, Kaniska Mallick, Imme Benedict, Miriam Machwitz, Martin Schlerf, Agnes Pranindita, Jolanda J. E. Theeuwen, Jean-François Bastin, Adriaan J. Teuling