Humans Are Producing Too Much Carbon Dioxide for Forests to Absorb
A recent study shows that, while intact forests are playing a large role in absorbing CO2, it's only a fraction of the amount human activity creates.
Forests
Even After Plantations Are Abandoned Primary Forests Do Not Return
Eucalyptus plantations in southern India that were abandoned and left to recover for nearly 40 years are still far from resembling the primary forest surrounding them.
Why New Forests Are Better at Sequestering Carbon Than Old Ones
Younger plants are able to extract carbon from the air and incorporate it into their biomass more quickly than mature trees.
At COP24, Poland Unveils a Declaration to Protect Its Forests
Environmentalists are concerned that Poland's declaration could be used as an excuse to continue burning coal.
Half of Costa Rica's Regrown Forests Are Gone Within Two Decades
Secondary forests are vital parts of the ecosystem, but in Costa Rica many of them are re-cleared before achieving old-growth levels of biodiversity.
Could the Reintroduction of Wolves Help Save Japan's Forests?
A large chunk of the country's forests were harmed in 2015 by wildlife—77 percent due to deer. Bringing back an apex predator could help staunch the bleeding.
If Current Deforestation Rates Continue, Haiti May Lose Its Forests Within Two Decades
Haiti's deforestation is largely driven by small-scale farming and charcoal production, which involves harvesting wood and heating it to remove water and volatile compounds.
Measuring the Ecological Impact of Losing Forest Elephants
A new study looks at the damage that would occur to flora and fauna if forest elephant populations continue to decline.
German Police Evict Anti-Coal Activists From a 12,000-Year-Old Forest (in Photos)
The protesters have occupied a community of tree houses for six years to oppose a nearby coal mine.
Measuring the Carbon Dioxide Capturing Prowess of Urban Forests
New research shows that even temperate forests in cities may be able to sequester nearly as much carbon as a similarly sized area of rainforest.
The Importance of Keeping Forests Intact
A recent study illustrates why humans need to step up their efforts to save the world's forests.
Bangladesh's Forests: A Point of Tension and Connection Between Incoming Rohingya and Locals
As hundreds of thousands of Myanmar muslims seek safety in the country, they have little choice but to overburden the jungles on which their livelihoods depend.
Frequent Fires Can Irreparably Harm Even the Most Resilient Ecosystems
Fires can be rejuvenating for some ecosystems. But as wildfires increase in frequency and severity, those ecosystems could see could their soil fertility and carbon capture depleted.
Living Near a Forest Is Linked to Better Brain Health
Living near the urban-forest interface agrees with our amygdala.
Saving the Climate Requires Saving Forests
Forest conservation is crucial to climate change mitigation. But do we have any idea how to do it?
A New Threat for Tropical Forests
A new gold rush could spell big trouble for South American tropical forests, a new study finds.
Feeling Impulsive? Head for the Forest
New research finds yet another benefit of viewing images of the natural world.
Smokey Can't Save Us: Wildfires Are Out of Control
New research shows how rapidly fire dangers are rising in the American West. The results could help governments plan ahead for the flames.
Conservation’s Earnest Message Could Use Some Levity
Lions, gorillas, and wolves, oh my! Two on-the-ground proponents of saving the tropics think a great way to both engage and enlighten the West is to deploy a dollop of satire.
Save the Birds — With Doppler Radar
Doppler radar helped save the Texas forests where millions of migrating birds rest each spring.
The History and Frightening Future of Forests
In the Year of Forests, researchers look to save them, and have them save us.
Day of the Dead Reflections: Renewed Life in Oaxacan Forestry
While visiting Oaxaca's forestry cooperatives, Kristian Beadle considers the link between remembering the dead and managing living resources — including new climate policies to reduce deforestation.
Mount Rushmore's Protections Foster Assault by Pine Beetles
Hands-off care of the forests around Mount Rushmore may have created a sweet spot for an ancient enemy of the Ponderosa pine — the mountain pine beetle.
Learning from the Ancients
A leading archaeologist's take on the pre-European Maya discounts 'ecocide' and suggests the people were actually astute stewards of the jungle who could teach us a thing or two.