Global Warming May Lead to Slower Forest Growth, Particularly in Conifers, Despite Longer Growing Seasons
An international research team, including scientists from the University of Freiburg, has found that while global warming is leading to longer growing seasons for plants worldwide, rising temperatures and increasing aridity may ultimately hinder forest growth, especially for conifers. The study analyzed wood formation in 27 conifer species across over 100 sites in Europe, North and South America, and East Asia. Researchers observed that although longer growing seasons at warmer locations initially led to higher cell production, the growth rate of cells, which peaks around six degrees Celsius, was a decisive factor. Above this temperature, increasingly dry conditions negatively impacted growth. This suggests that further global warming could result in reduced wood growth, counteracting the benefits of extended growing seasons.
