Weather & Science
Power of Trees and Soil to Absorb Carbon May Be Waning, Experts Warn
Ecosystems that soak up carbon dioxide have long provided a helping hand against global warming, but we may not be able to count on it forever, researchers say.
The Amazon rainforest in Brazil.
Photographer: Dado Galdieri/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
All the carbon dioxide that’s accumulating in the atmosphere and heating the planet has given carbon-munching things on the ground plenty to eat. Land ecosystems have taken more CO2 out of the atmosphere in the last few decades than they did before — a “bonus” that essentially cleans up some pollution for us.
Scientists hope it lasts, but they’re increasingly worried it won’t: Stressed forests and other ecosystems may be sending us advance warnings that they are transforming under pressure.