Adaptation

Warming induces unexpectedly high soil respiration in a wet tropical forest

Background

Tropical forests play a key role in regulating the global carbon cycle, exchanging more carbon dioxide with the atmosphere than any other terrestrial biome.  However, limited in situ experiments constrain understanding of their response to climate warming. Understanding these responses is crucial, as even small changes in soil respiration in tropical regions can substantially influence global carbon dynamics and climate feedbacks.

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Land availability and policy commitments limit global climate mitigation from forestation

Background

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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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The drivers and impacts of Amazon forest degradation

Background

This research examines the growing threat of forest degradation across the Amazon, a region critical to global carbon balance and biodiversity. Beyond deforestation, widespread disturbances such as fire, edge effects, selective logging, and extreme drought have emerged as major causes of ecological and social disruption. These human-driven stressors, intensified by climate change, now affect approximately 2.5 million km²—around 38% of remaining Amazon forests—posing risks comparable to deforestation itself.

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The 2023 state of the climate report: Entering uncharted territory

Background

The Earth faces a climate crisis as human activities increasing the release of harmful greenhouse gases, turning scientists' warnings of extreme conditions into reality. Climate records are breaking, causing widespread suffering. This report examines the global climate crisis, presenting key climate facts and policy recommendations for scientists, policymakers, and the public. It serves as an up-to-date resource on the escalating emergency.

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Gender equality, food security and the sustainable development goals

Background

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Selecting tree species to restore forest under climate change conditions: Complementing species distribution models with field experimentation

Background:

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Mapping tree species vulnerability to multiple threats as a guide to restoration and conservation of tropical dry forests

Background:

The global biodiversity crisis is exacerbated by anthropogenic threats such as climate change, habitat conversion, and overexploitation. Evaluating the susceptibility of ecosystems and species to these threats is imperative for strategic and cost-effective planning of restoration and conservation efforts.

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Plant Respiration in a Warmer World

Background:

It has been estimated that, globally, plants release 60 gigatons of CO2 during the respiration process. Many studies have shown that an increase in global temperature will increase leaves respiration rates, which in turn will decrease carbon uptake and increase atmospheric CO2 concentration (contributing even more to higher global temperature).

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