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Digging our own graves

Credit: Roel Brienen For the first time scientists have provided clear evidence that tropical tree lifespan decreases above a critical temperature threshold. Findings, published today (14 December) in the journal PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) show that across the tropics, tree lifespans decrease for temperatures above 25 C. As temperatures are rising rapidly across large parts of the tropics, tree mortality is likely to accelerate in substantial parts of the tropics, including the Amazon, Pantanal and Atlantic forests with implications for animal habitats, air qual...

In 10 to 20 years, it will be so hot that tropical trees live shorter lives Not a good roadmark to pass. It’s not the best time to be a tropical tree, as rising average temperatures risk impacting their lifespan. Image credits Roel Brienen. A new study explains that the longevity of trees at the tropics is shortened by higher temperatures. The findings help further our understanding of how climate change will impact ecosystems in the area and its effects on the rest of the planet. The team argues this is the first direct evidence that tropical trees experience shorter lives in hotter enviro...