Arctic Tree Planting May Accelerate Climate Change, Experts Caution
Planting trees at high latitudes, such as in the Arctic, may accelerate global warming rather than mitigate it, according to a study in Nature Geoscience. The research highlights that trees in these regions reduce the albedo effect, which reflects sunlight, thus increasing heat absorption. Additionally, Arctic soils store more carbon than vegetation, and disturbances from tree planting can release this carbon. The study suggests alternative strategies, like supporting large herbivores, to maintain open tundra landscapes and reduce warming.