General

The enduring world forest carbon sink

Background

Forests are critical to mitigating climate change because they absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and store it in biomass and soils.  In 2023, atmospheric CO₂ levels exceeded 420 ppm, intensifying the urgency to understand terrestrial carbon sinks. Forests historically lost 180 Pg of carbon through land-use change, yet they remain central to achieving global net-zero goals by 2050. While remote sensing and modeling offer insights, this study emphasizes long-term, ground-based forest inventory data as the most reliable source for assessing trends in carbon sinks across boreal, temperate, and tropical forest biomes.

Open access copy available

The weak land carbon sink hypothesis

Background

Open access copy available

Land availability and policy commitments limit global climate mitigation from forestation

Background

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The changing global carbon cycle: linking plant–soil carbon dynamics to global consequences

Background

Open access copy available

Addressing critiques refines global estimates of reforestation potential for climate change mitigation

Background

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Protect, manage and then restore lands for climate mitigation

Background

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Reclamation of Mine‐Impacted Land for Ecosystem Recovery

BACKGROUND:

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Herbaceous plant diversity in forest ecosystems: patterns, mechanisms, and threats

BACKGROUND:

Recent studies have expanded our ecological understanding by focusing on forest herbs, highlighting that while trees dominate ecological theory, they represent only a small fraction of forest plant diversity. Forests showcase varying plant diversity due to human activities like land-use changes, invasive species, climate change, and overabundant herbivores, necessitating comprehensive management strategies. By understanding the complex interplay of these factors, the research aims to promote effective long-term conservation and sustainability of herbaceous plant communities in these environments.

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The Restoration of Degraded Lands by Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples

Background

Land degradation is a global ecological crisis that threatens biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, and human well-being. Over 75% of land worldwide is affected, impacting the livelihoods of 3.2 billion people. Causes include deforestation, desertification, unsustainable agriculture, and climate change. In response, the United Nations launched the “Decade on Ecosystem Restoration” (2021–2030) to promote land restoration and achieve Land Degradation Neutrality. Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) manage a significant portion of intact ecosystems and possess deep ecological knowledge, making them vital actors in restoration efforts.

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Indigenous exploitation and management of tropical forest resources: an evolutionary continuum in forest-people interactions

Background

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