Recent research emphasized the urgent need to protect old-growth forests, which are crucial in fighting climate change effects and rising temperatures.

World forests are important for the environment and animals, including for humans' livelihood. However, climate change and global warming pose a significant threat to trees and forests. The slow growth of forests will also affect carbon sequestration.

According to the latest reports, forests have suffered from the following pressing threats:

  • Global warming
  • Climate change
  • Deforestation
  • Diseases
  • Extreme weather events
  • Urbanization

As a result, international researchers have been studying forests and trees. In the latest report, researchers emphasized that old-growth forests are crucial in addressing the effects of climate change.

Old-Growth Forest World Benefits

Natural Forest in Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
(Photo : by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)
Natural Forest in Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The latest report discovered that old-growth forests help fight climate change effects and rising temperatures. Protecting forests is crucial for animals and communities. Meanwhile, researchers unveiled that plants could have ways of communicating potential danger cues with other plants, especially when they are wounded or attacked. The research looked into the danger responses of tomato plants. 

In the Southern Appalachian Region, researchers raised concerns about the impact of severe drought in the forests in the area. Extreme dry conditions can likely ignite deadly and raging wildfires.

In the study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the latest report warned of effects on forest growth and health. Climate change can exacerbate extreme conditions, slowing down the carbon sequestration.

While forests can withstand challenging temperatures, the intensifying climate change be devastating. In the US, the Forest Service helps to monitor the health of forests.

The recently highlighted that the US is expected to develop more ways to protect old-growth forests amidst the threats of rising global temperatures. The ecological benefits are essential to many animals and communities.

Old-growth forests can also survive warming temperatures and wildfires. exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions.

Forests in unprotected areas are mostly vulnerable to threats. As a result, communities and cities should develop policies to preserve old and mature forests to avoid potential decline.

Talking Plants And Danger Cues in Forests

Researchers unveiled that plants could have ways of communicating potential danger cues with other plants, especially when they are wounded or attacked. The research looked into the danger responses of tomato plants.

The research findings were published in the Nature Communications journal. Researchers discovered ways plants protect each other. The natural airborne compounds allow them to send cues during herbivore attacks.

Furthermore, the study unearthed two calcium signals that help with the danger signs (Z-3-HAL and E-2-HAL). The discovery will help international researchers mitigate the widespread impacts of diseases and other threats.

Plants and trees are essential to communities and animals as sources of food and protection. It can mitigate extreme weather events, especially flooding and storms.

Related Article: US Forests Face Declining Productivity and Carbon Sequestration Under Climate Change

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