THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020Tropical forests ‘losing ability
to absorb carbon’
Speed and magnitude of change far worse than predicted
The Amazon may soon contribute more carbon than it pulls out, study reveals (Getty)
HARRY COCKBURN
The ability of the world’s tropical forests to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is decreasing,
according to a study tracking 300,000 trees over 30 years. A global research team, led by the University of
Leeds, say they fear the world’s remaining undisturbed tropical forests may have already begun to switch
from being a major carbon sink, to eventually becoming an overall source of carbon.
Currently, tropical forests are well-known as a vital carbon absorber, slowing climate change by removing
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in trees, a process known as carbon sequestration.