Carbon Use Efficiency

How Plants Fight Climate Change: The Global Study on Carbon Use Efficiency

A recent international study, published in the prestigious journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, has revealed how plants vary in their efficiency at converting atmospheric carbon into biomass—a crucial factor in mitigating climate change. The research, which included contributions from Cnr-Isafom (Institute for Agricultural and Forest Systems in the Mediterranean), provides new insights into vegetation’s role in CO₂ absorption.

Carbon Use Efficiency (CUE): Why It Matters

Carbon Use Efficiency (CUE) measures how effectively plants convert absorbed carbon into biomass, retaining it instead of releasing it. The higher the CUE, the greater an ecosystem’s ability to sequester CO₂, reducing atmospheric concentrations and countering global warming.

The study analyzed global-scale data, identifying the most efficient ecosystems:

  • Tropical rainforests: Due to favorable climatic conditions, they exhibit high CUE.
  • Temperate and boreal forests: Though with different dynamics, they significantly contribute to carbon storage.
  • Arid and degraded ecosystems: Show reduced efficiency, highlighting the importance of conservation.

Foreste per Sempre ODV: Protecting the Most Efficient Ecosystems

The study’s findings reinforce Foreste per Sempre ODV’s commitment to safeguarding forests, particularly those with high carbon sequestration efficiency. Through reforestation, conservation, and habitat restoration projects, the organization helps:

  • Enhance ecosystem resilience.
  • Improve CO₂ absorption capacity.
  • Protect biodiversity, essential for maintaining high CUE levels.

Conclusion: A Natural Ally Against Climate Crisis

Plants are invaluable allies in the fight against climate change, and understanding their functioning helps us protect them better. This study proves that preserving and restoring the most efficient forest ecosystems is a winning strategy for a sustainable future.

Foreste per Sempre ODV continues its work to ensure the planet’s forests can effectively serve as “green lungs.”

forests also:

  • Cool the planet by regulating local/global weather.
  • Host 80% of land species (including undiscovered medicines).
  • Provide ⅓ of the world’s cities with drinking water.
  • Cut air pollution deaths by absorbing toxins.
  • Support indigenous communities and eco-tourism.

The research proves old-growth forests outperform new plantations in carbon storage. That’s why Foreste per Sempre ODV focuses on:
✅ Shielding high-CUE ecosystems (like tropical rainforests).
✅ Healing damaged woodlands.
✅ Teaching the forest-climate connection.

Every protected hectare breathes life into tomorrow.

Discover how you can support us:

🌳 Learn more at forestepersempre.it 🌍

Sources: Nature Ecology & Evolution, Cnr-Isafom

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