Fungi's 'necromass' absorbs one-third of carbon emissions.

Mycorrhizal fungi, which live in partnership with plants, take up the equivalent of more than a third (36%) of the world's annual carbon emissions from fossil fuels—every year. These fungi transport essential nutrients and water to plants, and can even boost their resistance to pests and disease. By analysing almost 200 datasets, the researchers estimate the world's plants are transferring a staggering 3.58 billion tonnes of carbon per year to this underground network. Protecting these hidden fungal networks is crucial to safeguarding our plants' resilience and playing a key role in the carbon cycle.