What's Happening?
A study published in Nature examines global carbon use efficiency (CUE) trends from 2001 to 2023 using machine learning and MODIS products. The research indicates a decreasing trend in global CUE, attributed mainly to temperature increases. The study utilized
the Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) model to provide estimates at a 1-km spatial resolution, revealing significant variations in CUE across different biomes and climatic zones. The findings suggest that ecosystems in tropical zones exhibit lower CUE compared to those in higher latitudes, with implications for understanding carbon retention and ecosystem respiration.
Why It's Important?
The decline in global CUE has significant implications for climate change and carbon cycle management. As ecosystems become less efficient at retaining carbon, more carbon is released into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. Understanding these trends is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate climate change impacts and improve ecosystem resilience. The study provides a benchmark for evaluating Earth System Models and highlights the need for expanded monitoring networks to address uncertainties in global carbon dynamics.
