A University of Leeds study warns that up to two-thirds of the world’s temperate rainforests could disappear by 2100 due to climate change. This first-ever global assessment of these critical ecosystems highlights that, without urgent action, 68% of temperate rainforests, and up to 90% in some regions, could vanish under severe climate scenarios. Current emission reduction efforts would still see a 23% loss, but rapid fossil fuel reduction could limit losses to just 9%. These forests, covering less than 1% of Earth’s surface, play a key role in carbon storage and global biodiversity.
Temperate rainforests, found in countries like Canada, the U.S., Chile, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, are uniquely suited to cool, moist climates but are increasingly vulnerable to rising temperatures. In the UK, rainforests are located along the western seaboard, and plans for their restoration are underway. The UK has the highest global potential for rainforest restoration and could lead in these efforts with new funding and initiatives.
Dr Dominick A. DellaSala, Chief Scientist of Wild Heritage, and one of the authors of the study, urged global action to protect temperate rainforests, stressing their importance as “lungs of the planet,” and advocating for their conservation alongside tropical and boreal forests as vital climate solutions.
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