Taller Plants in Warming Arctic Could Speed Up Climate Change
“The tundra is warming more rapidly than any other biome on Earth, and the potential ramifications are far-reaching because of global feedback effects between vegetation and climate,” says a new study published in the journal Nature.
The huge study spanned over three decades and involved 180 scientists analyzing 56,048 trait records and 117 vegetation survey sites across the tundra.
The study found that low-lying shrubs, grasses and other plants in the Arctic are getting taller due to rising temperatures. The growth in height and specific leaf area was more marked at wetter than drier sites.
Taller Arctic plants trap more snow around them, preventing the soil from freezing quite so hard. This makes it easier for the permafrost to thaw out in summer months and release carbon into the atmosphere. Up to 50 per cent of the world’s below-ground carbon stocks are contained in permafrost soils.
Also, taller plants by sticking out above the snow, help make the Earth’s surface darker, allowing the tundra ecosystem to trap more heat from the sun.
Plant traits strongly affect carbon cycling and the energy balance of the ecosystem, which can in turn influence regional and global climates. “A better understanding of how environmental factors shape plant structure and function is crucial for predicting the consequences of environmental change for ecosystem functioning,” says the study.
One of UN Environment’s objectives in terms of mitigation is to keep track of emerging issues and opportunities in global climate.
“This is an important study which should help to improve projections of changes in tundra ecosystems with climate warming,” says UN Environment climate change expert Niklas Hagelberg.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is due to publish an important report today examining the challenges and impacts of keeping temperatures below 1.5°C, and in November, UN Environment will be releasing its latest edition of the Emissions Gap report.
*SOURCE: UN Environment. Go to ORIGINAL. 2018 Human Wrongs Watch
Source: https://human-wrongs-watch.net/2018/10/10/taller-plants-in-warming-arctic-could-speed-up-climate-change/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).