"Rising Temperatures Fuel Vines' Threat to Earth's Carbon Sink"
Warmer temperatures are driving the takeover of the world's forests by woody vines, threatening their role in storing carbon and cooling the atmosphere. A global study has identified tropical forests at low elevation as the most vulnerable, with mean annual temperatures above 27.8°C and reduced rainfall being key factors. The dominance of lianas, a type of woody vine, hinders forest recovery following disturbances and poses a threat to the global carbon sink. Efforts are underway to understand and manage the impact of these vines on forests and the environment.