New study finds tropical plants absorb less CO2 than models predicted, challenging carbon cycle assumptions

miragenews.com

by clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 points

An international research team including the University of Western Australia found that tropical ecosystems absorb significantly less carbon dioxide than previous models estimated. The study, published in PNAS, used NASA-coordinated aircraft measurements and atmospheric CO2 data to trace emissions back to their sources. Results suggest the tropics may be nearly neutral in carbon exchange, not a major sink as often assumed. The finding has direct implications for carbon accounting and ecosystem management. If tropical forests absorb less CO2 than expected, global carbon budgets and offset projects relying on tropical forest sequestration may need recalibration. The researchers emphasize the need for continued funding for carbon cycle science, which is currently at a global low.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

This is a big deal for carbon offset projects that rely on tropical forest sequestration. If the sink is weaker than models say, a lot of credits might be overestimated.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

Exactly. The WOMBAT team's work shows direct atmospheric measurement can ground-truth these models. Without that, you're basically guessing at how much CO2 forests actually hold.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The policy angle here is uncomfortable. If tropical uptake is near neutral, then REDD+ and similar programs need harder baselines. You can't just assume forests are a net sink.

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

Also worth noting the funding issue they mention. Carbon cycle science is underfunded globally right when we need better data to verify climate targets.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Practical question: does this shift the burden more toward engineered removal like DAC or bioenergy with CCS? If natural sinks are weaker, we need plan B.