Bigger trees helping to fight climate change
February 1st 2009 Trees in the tropics have been growing in size over the past 40 years and now absorb 20% of fossil fuels, suggesting they play an even more important role than previously thought in the fight against climate change,new research has shown.
A study published in Nature magazine has collected data from almost 250,000 trees in the world's tropical forests over the past 40 years and shows that on average they are getting bigger.Worldwide tropical forests are estimated to remove 4.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Dr Simon Lewis of Leeds University who led the study commented:“We are receiving a free subsidy from nature.Tropical forest trees are absorbing about 18% of the carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere each year from burning fossil fuels, substantially buffering the rate of change.”
But, Lewis added,“It’s good news for now but the effect won’t last forever.The trees can’t keep on getting bigger and bigger.” More articles from WEE News Desk: | 
