Mature Forests Remove 30% of Human CO2: A Conservation Strategy
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📰 The quick summary: Mature forests left undisturbed can reach their full ecological potential and help fight climate change by naturally removing 30% of human CO2 emissions annually.
📈 One key stat: The largest 1% of trees by diameter in a mature forest can store half of its carbon, making old-growth forests critical for climate mitigation.
💬 One key quote: “Nature needs room to breathe. We can’t leave everything open to manipulation and extraction. It’s deadly.“
1️⃣ The big picture: A new approach to forest conservation called proforestation advocates for leaving existing forests untouched to maximize their ecological benefits. Unlike reforestation or planting new trees, this method focuses on allowing mature forests to grow undisturbed until they reach their full potential. Mature forests serve as powerful carbon sinks, removing nearly 30% of human CO2 emissions each year. They also provide critical habitat for countless species and play a vital role in water cycles through their deep root systems and broad canopies.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: Letting forests grow naturally creates robust ecosystems that are better equipped to handle climate change. Old-growth forests develop complex structures that provide shelter for endangered species and maintain essential biodiversity. Their deeper roots and broader crowns help regulate water cycles and prevent landscape drying. These mature forests also preserve irreplaceable genetic diversity that has evolved over centuries, making them more resilient to environmental changes.
3️⃣ What’s next: Conservation efforts need to shift focus toward protecting existing mature forests rather than just planting new trees. Currently, only about 10% of old-growth forests remain in the US, making their preservation critical. This passive approach of letting nature take its course requires a fundamental change in forest management policies and public understanding of forest value beyond timber production.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – Proforestation: The case for leaving trees alone
