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Aug. 27, 2024Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

New MO report discusses forest impact on climate change

forest

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A new report from the University of Missouri highlights the vital role of forests in combating climate change.

Titled "Carbon and Biomass Dynamics in Missouri Forests and Implications for Climate Change," the study emphasizes how trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their wood and tissues.

Co-authored by the University of Missouri Extension forestry specialist Hank Stelzer, the report suggests thinking of forests not just in terms of timber, but as critical carbon storage units.

Sustainable management practices, like thinning and harvesting, can optimize carbon storage while also enhancing wildlife habitats and biodiversity.

The study also notes that wood products can store carbon long-term while reducing the need for energy-intensive materials like steel and plastic.

However, the report concludes that human choices will determine how well we harness this natural climate solution. The full report is available online at mizzou.us.