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The hidden warming effects of the degradation of tropical moist forests

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Satellite observations show that 24.1% of tropical moist forests are degraded. In addition to the warming effects of the release of carbon from biomass, satellite data suggest that degradation could also increase the land surface temperatures of the affected regions. This biophysical feedback could hinder forest restoration initiatives.

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Fig. 1: Biophysical and biogeochemical effects of degraded forests.

References

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This is a summary of: Zhu, L. et al. Comparable biophysical and biogeochemical feedbacks on warming from tropical moist forest degradation. Nat. Geosci. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01137-y (2023).

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The hidden warming effects of the degradation of tropical moist forests. Nat. Geosci. 16, 200–201 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01139-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01139-w

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