Eastern US Cools Down: Reforestation Slows Climate Crisis Heat
February 17, 2024
Reforestation in the eastern US has significantly cooled the region, offsetting some effects of the climate crisis.
The temperature drop ranges from 1C to 2C annually, and intensifies to 2C to 5C on the hottest days due to the transpiration from trees.
The cooling is most pronounced during peak summer heat, benefiting from the expansive forest cover, which is larger than England.
Researchers emphasize that while reforestation helps, it is not the primary solution, and reducing carbon emissions remains critical in addressing climate change.
Urban areas, in particular, gain from reforestation as it mitigates the extreme heat common in cities with fewer trees.
Summary based on 2 sources