The global deforestation of forests is a growing concern, particularly in tropical regions where the number of trees and their capacity as carbon dioxide stores are rapidly declining due to forest fires, slash-and-burn agriculture, and logging. However, a recent study by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) has found that the forests in Russia have grown 47% more than previously thought from 1988 to 2014. This growth is enough to offset the decline of tropical rainforests. The study, published in the Scientific Reports journal, used satellite data to supplement incomplete information from Russian authorities and more accurately determine the biomass stock.
According to Dmitry Shchepashchenko, a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the researchers used modern computer-assisted methods to develop a comprehensive set of possible models. The forest stock in Russia was found to be 39% higher in 2014 than reported in the state forest register. Florian Kraxner, another member of the research team, emphasized the importance of this finding, stating that “we are talking about the largest country in the world, which has the largest share of land biomass worldwide. This is highly relevant to the climate. Imagine what just a few percent up or down in terms of the large stock would do to the mass of carbon dioxide in the air.”
While this study provides hope for the global forest cover, the researchers also noted that targeted reforestation efforts are necessary to mitigate climate change. In 2019, scientists from ETH Zurich found that Russia has the potential for 151 million hectares of new forests, surpassing all other countries. This highlights the need for continued efforts to protect and restore forests, which play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
In conclusion, the study by IIASA provides encouraging news about the growth of forests in Russia, which can offset the decline of tropical rainforests. However, it also underscores the need for targeted reforestation efforts to mitigate climate change. The findings of this study should serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting and restoring forests, which are essential for the health of our planet.
