World’s forests are thickening, according to study

Independent : Although regional tree species have been suffering due to human-induced climate change and deforestation, the density of some forests and woodlands across much of the world is actually increasing, according to a new study published in the online, peer-reviewed journal PLoS One. Written by researchers at Finland’s University of Helsinki and New York’s Rockefeller University, “A National and International Analysis of Changing Forest Density” suggests that forests are thickening in 45 of 68 countries, which together account for 72% of global forests. Aapo Rautiainen and his coauthors believe that evidence of denser forests, which could be crucial in reducing the world’s carbon footprint, is due to more sustainable government forestry practices. However, some critics have expressed concerns that what is being planted are species that grow faster and taller, which will eventually result in a loss of biodiversity. For example, writes the Independent‘s Andrew Marszal, “China’s ambitious reforestation programme has added three million new hectares (nearly eight million acres) to the country’s forests every year over the past decade, but green campaigners believe this is predominantly composed of one species—eucalyptus.”