Tree-killing hurricanes ‘could contribute to global warming’

A first-of-its kind, long-term study of hurricane impact on US trees shows that hurricane damage can diminish a forest’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, Science Daily reports.
Tulane University researchers examined the impact of tropical cyclones on US forests between 1851 to 2000 and found that changes in hurricane frequency might contribute to [...]

Key role of forests ‘may be lost’

Forests’ role as massive carbon sinks is “at risk of being lost entirely”, the BBC’s Mark Kinver has reported top forestry scientists as warning.
The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) says forests are under increasing degrees of stress as a result of climate change.
Forests could release vast amounts of carbon if temperatures rise 2.5C [...]

Welsh woodlands to fight climate change

Climate change experts from across Europe will be seeing how the Welsh woodlands are already helping to alleviate the effects of climate change, says a press release from the UK Forestry Commission.
Researchers in Wales are putting in place exciting new ways in which the forests can help prevent flooding as well as locking away millions [...]

UN: World’s forests facing tough tests

World forests face the dual challenge of climate change and the global economic crisis, a key UN report says.
On the BBC News website, environment reporter Mark Kinver said it suggested that although the economic slowdown might reduce deforestation rates in the short term, it was also likely to lead to other problems.
One concern, would be [...]

Brazil sees fall in deforestation rate

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell to 291 square miles (754 square kilometres) between November 2008 and January 2009, reports Mongabay.com.
This was a drop of 70% when compared to the same period 12 months earlier, said Brazil’s Environment Minister Carlos Minc.
A decrease in forest clearing had been expected.
Economic turmoil, which has reduced the availability of [...]

Top five invasive threats to US southern forests

Apologies that this post refers to information issued in a press release by the US Forest Service back in January, but it contains interesting data and links that could be of use to people – Take Cover team.
US Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) ecologist Jim Miller, considered to be one of the foremost authorities [...]

Twiglet: UK woodlands and forests

The social and environmental value of woodlands and forests in the UK is estimated to be in the region of £1bn, states a postnote from the UK Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

Once, most of the UK was covered in woodland but the cover was gradually depleted as the demand for timber, fuel and agriculture [...]

Climate shift ‘killing US trees’

Old growth trees in western parts of the US are probably being killed as a result of regional changes to the climate, a study has suggested.
BBC News environment reporter Mark Kinver reports researchers as saying that analysis of undisturbed forests showed the trees’ mortality rate had doubled since 1955, researchers said.
They warned that the loss [...]

Landmark agreement for England’s trees

The Forestry Commission and Natural England have joined forces with more than 100 organisations, representing woodland owners, forestry businesses, conservation and local communities to create a new five-year action plan for trees and woodlands in England.
A press release from the Forestry Commission said that the ultimate goal of the new partnership was to deliver a [...]

Weller in the woods…

“Modfather” Paul Weller has announced a series of gigs in spectacular woodland locations across the UK this summer as part of Forestry Commission Live Music 2009.
The commission, in a press release, goes on to say:
Described as both the ‘modfather of rock’ and ‘Britpop’s elder statesman’, Paul is ultimately acknowledged by the media, fellow musicians and [...]