Issue 106 - March 2024

Climate Change Threatens Global Forest Carbon Sequestration, Study Finds

Written by Lauren Barnett, University of Florida

Climate change is reshaping forests differently across the United States, according to a new analysis of U.S. Forest Service data. With rising temperatures, escalating droughts, wildfires and disease outbreaks taking a toll on trees, researchers warn that forests across the American West are bearing the brunt of the consequences.

The study was led by University of Florida researchers and includes a University of Michigan co-author. It was published online on Jan. 15 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The study reveals a pronounced regional imbalance in forest productivity, a key barometer of forest health that gauges tree growth and biomass accumulation. Over the past two decades, forests in the western United States, grappling with more severe climate change impacts, have exhibited a notable slowdown in productivity, while forests in the Eastern U.S., experiencing milder climate effects, have seen slightly accelerated growth.

Forests play a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate, acting as carbon sinks that sequester approximately 25% of human carbon emissions annually. However, their ability to store carbon hinges on the delicate balance between the positive and negative effects of climate change.

The study, using national-scale forest inventory data, models trends from 1999 to 2020, analyzing 113,806 measurements in nonplantation forests.

“We are witnessing changes in forest functioning as forest ecosystems respond to global change drivers, such as carbon dioxide fertilization and climate change,” said study lead author J. Aaron Hogan, a former postdoctoral researcher at the University of Florida who is now a postdoc fellow at the U.S. Forest Service. “It is the future balance of these drivers which will determine the functioning of forests in the coming years to decades.”

Understanding changes in forest productivity in a rapidly changing global environment is a challenging task, says study co-author Kai Zhu, an ecologist at the Institute for Global Change Biology, based at U-M’s School for Environment and Sustainability.

“This difficulty arises due to the abundance and interaction of various global change factors,” said Zhu, who assisted Hogan in framing the study’s research question and provided computer code from a previous study of forest growth.

“Predicting forest productivity becomes even more daunting, yet critical because it determines their ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Our research aims to address this challenge with rigorous design and comprehensive analysis to shed new light on this crucial subject.”

Some drivers of change in forests, such as droughts and forest pathogens, have negative effects on productivity. But other drivers, such as carbon dioxide fertilization, are predicted to have positive effects. This phenomenon suggests that increased carbon dioxide levels enhance plant growth by increasing photosynthesis, which inspired the researchers to take a deeper look at its impact.

“The U.S. Forest Service has been monitoring the growth and survival of over a million trees across the U.S. for multiple decades,” said study senior author Jeremy Lichstein, professor of biology at the University of Florida. “We were interested to see if their data provided evidence for increased rates of tree growth, as predicted by the carbon dioxide fertilization hypothesis.”

While tree growth in the eastern U.S. aligns with expectations, the western region shows extreme climate effects overshadowing any positive growth trends, challenging the prevailing assumption that forests’ carbon-storing ability will continue to increase.

“The current scientific understanding is that forests have been absorbing a significant amount of carbon from the atmosphere, which has helped to slow down the pace of climate change,” said Zhu, who is also an associate professor in the U-M Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. “However, our latest study suggests that their capacity to absorb carbon is likely to decrease in the future.

“As a consequence, more carbon will remain in the atmosphere, leading to a faster rate of global warming. This accelerated warming will exacerbate climate change, and this is a cause for concern.”

The findings also illuminate the fact that climate change is not a uniform force but rather a dynamic agent with region-specific influences. The study illustrates how the degree of climate change can push forests past a tipping point. Some forests are already approaching or surpassing climate thresholds which shift them to become sources of carbon, rather than sinks that remove carbon from the atmosphere.

“For a long time, people have been taking for granted the services that forests provide, such as their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and slow down global warming,” Zhu said. “However, as climate change accelerates, we are seeing that forests may no longer be able to offer these services to the same extent as before. In recent years, we have observed these reversals in the western U.S. and the Amazon.”

It might be tempting to chalk the losses up to extreme events. But, according to the researchers, the decline in productivity in the western U.S. cannot be attributed to increased rates of tree mortality.

“Recent news coverage of the western U.S. forests predominantly centres on wildfires. Without a doubt, wildfires act as canaries in coal mines, signifying the effects of climate change on forests,” Zhu said.

“However, our study reveals that there’s more to the story than just wildfires; forests are also losing carbon due to a decrease in growth rates,” he said. “This lagging growth, in conjunction with a rise in tree mortality, is causing a significant reduction in the capacity of forests to absorb carbon dioxide.”

With trees growing slower due to adverse climate change effects—including decreased precipitation—the study implies that, even without the intensifying wildfires, the carbon sink in western forests will continue to weaken without urgent action to reduce human greenhouse gas emissions.

The transformations observed in U.S. forests raise concerns about their future resilience and sustainability. The researchers hope their findings highlight the urgent need for governments and industry to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero emissions as soon as possible.

“Our results highlight the need for reduced global greenhouse gas emissions,” said Lichstein. “Without the emissions reductions that scientists have been urging for decades, forest carbon sinks will likely weaken, which will accelerate the pace of climate change.”

The study was developed with Grant Domke from the U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station, U-M’s Zhu, and Dan Johnson of the University of Florida’s School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences. The work was funded by a grant from the U.S. Forest Service.

Study: Climate change determines the sign of productivity trends in US forests

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Issue 106 - March 2024

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – March 2024 – Issue 106

Feature Destination

Experience Hội An Through Responsible Travel

This shift resonates with a global trend towards minimizing environmental impacts and bolstering local communities through tourism, reflecting a profound transformation in the travel and hospitality industries worldwide towards more ethical and sustainable models. Read more…

Hội An’s Journey Toward Environmental Stewardship and Cultural Preservation

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Hoi An invites visitors into a realm where historical authenticity and contemporary exploration converge, offering an array of experiences designed to enrich, captivate, and inspire. Read more…

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Little Cayman, Cayman Islands; 4^th March 2024: Six years ago, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) launched Reefs Go Live, their innovative, flagship education programme that live-streams directly from underwater on the coral reefs in Little Cayman to students in classrooms around the world in real-time. Read more…

Mississippi Sound Coalition Files Legal Action vs. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

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Study Finds Drought Fuels Invasive Species After Wildfires

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The Earth and Three Blinkered Scientists

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Issue 106 - March 2024

National Geographic Reveals Trailer for Groundbreaking Natural History Series QUEENS, Narrated by Angela Bassett

National Geographic today revealed the breathtaking new trailer for the female-led docu-series QUEENS, premiering March 4 on National Geographic and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the next day. Set to Billie Eilish’s hit electropop track “You Should See Me in a Crown,” the trailer introduces viewers to six iconic worlds ruled by the fierce and formidable matriarchs of the animal QUEENdom, setting the stage for a series that transcends everything viewers know about natural history programming.

The spotted hyena clan feeds on a wildebeest they have recently killed. (National Geographic for Disney/Bazili Kessy)

Helmed by a female-led production team from around the world — groundbreaking in the natural history space — and guided by powerful narration from award-winning actress Angela Bassett (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “The Flood,” “Good Night Oppy”), QUEENS is bringing the natural world into focus through the female lens for the very first time. The series features matriarchies and female leaders from around the world to tell stories of sacrifice and resilience but also friendship and love. Each episode showcases matriarchs, from the peace-loving bonobos of the Congo basin to the ruthless jewel bees of Costa Rica to the powerful elephants of the Savanna. Through watching their struggles, successes and heartbreaks, we see the importance of intergenerational love and protection, the fierce lengths a mother will go to to have her children succeed, how the thirst for power can rip families apart, and how even in the face of tragedy, a mother must selflessly persevere.

Four years in the making, QUEENS leverages cutting-edge technology to reveal surprising insights into how females in the natural world rise to power, often relying on cooperation and wisdom over brute strength to get ahead. The intimate production captured many staggering moments within the animal kingdom for the first time, including rarely seen hyena infanticide, the first filming of bonobos in the canopy from tree platforms, colour documentation of the Ngorongoro Crater through the night, and a development time-lapse of the Orchid bee brood. The final episode of the series celebrates the women who have gone to the ends of the Earth and dedicated their lives to documenting and protecting animal queens.

QUEENS is produced by Wildstar Films for National Geographic. For Wildstar Films, Vanessa Berlowitz is the executive producer, and Chloe Sarosh serves as showrunner and writer. Sophie Darlington and Justine Evans are the series’ directors of photography. For National Geographic, Pamela Caragol is the executive producer, and Janet Han Vissering is the senior vice president of Development and Production.

A lioness and lion nuzzle one another. (National Geographic for Disney/Millie Marsden)

About National Geographic Content

Award-winning and critically acclaimed National Geographic Content, part of a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, creates and delivers riveting stories and experiences in natural history, science, adventure and exploration. Inspiring a deeper connection to the world, the content studio reaches 300 million people worldwide in 180 countries and 33 languages across the global National Geographic channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO), National Geographic Documentary Films, and direct-to-consumer platforms Disney+ and Hulu. Its diverse content includes Emmy® Award-winning franchise Genius, series Life Below Zero and Secrets of the Whales, and Oscar®- and BAFTA award-winning film Free Solo. In 2022, National Geographic Content was awarded eight News and Documentary Emmys, in addition to Life Below Zero’s Emmy win for Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program, its sixth Emmy overall. For more information, visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or follow Nat Geo on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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Feature Destination

FEATURE DESTINATION: Experience Hội An Through Responsible Travel

In the verdant heart of Central Vietnam, the ancient city of Hội An, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emerges as a vanguard of sustainability and responsible tourism. This evolution marks a pivotal chapter in the narrative of Quang Nam province, which has embraced eco-friendly travel practices. This shift resonates with a global trend towards minimizing environmental impacts and bolstering local communities through tourism, reflecting a profound transformation in the travel and hospitality industries worldwide towards more ethical and sustainable models.

The concept of ecotourism, central to this transformation, aims at safeguarding natural environments while simultaneously upholding and nurturing local cultures. This approach has become increasingly popular in Quang Nam, fostering a tourism model that offers visitors immersive experiences in the province’s natural parks, mountains, and marine areas, with a minimal ecological footprint. These initiatives not only promote the conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity but also enrich local communities economically by diverting tourism revenues directly into conservation and cultural preservation efforts.

Quang Nam’s commitment to sustainable tourism is evidenced by its innovative community-based tourism projects. These projects, ranging from organic farms to traditional artisan villages, offer travellers authentic cultural experiences while supporting sustainable livelihoods. For instance, visitors to the region can learn about organic farming techniques that use natural fertilizers instead of chemicals, or witness the skilful craftsmanship of local artisans. Such experiences not only contribute to the preservation of traditional practices but also foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of local cultures.

The province’s natural reserves and ecovillages play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. These areas serve as sanctuaries for various species, including some that are endangered, thus contributing significantly to the region’s ecological diversity. Quang Nam’s natural landscapes are home to a plethora of flora and fauna, offering unique opportunities for education and conservation. The emphasis on protecting these natural habitats aligns with the principles of ecotourism, ensuring that tourism activities do not jeopardize the delicate balance of these ecosystems.

The Bay Mau Nipa Palm Forest and the Song Thanh Nature Reserve are prime examples of Quang Nam’s commitment to environmental stewardship. These areas not only act as critical carbon sinks but also function as natural laboratories where visitors can engage with conservation efforts firsthand. Moreover, the Cu Lao Cham World Biosphere Reserve stands as a testament to successful human-nature cohabitation. Recognized by UNESCO, this reserve showcases diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical forests to coral reefs, providing habitats for numerous species while promoting sustainable tourism practices that contribute to the conservation of these natural resources.

The sustainable tourism model adopted by Hội An and Quang Nam emphasizes the synergy between environmental protection and cultural preservation. This model encourages the development of tourism practices that are not only economically beneficial but also sensitive to the ecological and cultural fabric of the region. Through initiatives such as waste reduction, support for organic farming, and the promotion of traditional crafts, this model illustrates how tourism can play a pivotal role in sustainable development.

Collaboration between local communities, government entities, and non-profit organizations is key to the success of Hội An’s sustainable tourism initiatives. These partnerships facilitate a range of activities, from waste management programs to educational projects, aimed at fostering environmental awareness and sustainable living practices among both locals and visitors. Such collaborative efforts underscore the importance of community engagement in achieving the goals of sustainable tourism.

The unique biodiversity of Quang Nam, encompassing a wide array of habitats from coastal ecosystems to mountainous rainforests, is a critical component of the region’s ecotourism appeal. The area is home to species such as the critically endangered saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), the giant muntjac (Muntiacus Vuquangensis), and various primates, which rely on the intactness of their natural habitats for survival. Efforts to preserve these environments not only aid in the protection of these species but also enhance the ecological integrity of the region as a whole.

In crafting a sustainable tourism model, Quang Nam and Hội An have demonstrated that it is possible to harmonize the needs of economic development with environmental preservation and cultural integrity. This model serves as a blueprint for other destinations seeking to navigate the complexities of modern tourism. It proves that through mindful planning and collective action, tourism can be transformed into a force for good, capable of protecting natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of environmental degradation and cultural erosion, the example set by Hội An and Quang Nam offers hope and inspiration. It showcases the potential of sustainable tourism to foster a deeper connection between people and the planet, promoting a more thoughtful and respectful way to explore the wonders of our world. The journey of Hội An from a historic port city to a leader in sustainable tourism is a testament to the power of vision, commitment, and collaboration in creating a more sustainable and equitable future.