Ozone gas is hindering the development of tropical forests, resulting in approximately 290 million tons of unabsorbed carbon annually, according to recent research.
Ozone gas is hindering the development of tropical forests, resulting in about 290 million tonnes of unabsorbed carbon each year, according to recent studies.
The ozone layer high in the stratosphere protects our planet from dangerous ultraviolet rays, and maintaining its health is one of environmentalism’s proudest achievements.
However, ground-level ozone is created from pollutants released by human activities when they come into contact with sunlight. This type of ozone disrupts the process by which plants absorb carbon dioxide, while also posing risks to human health.
A recent study published in the journal Nature Geoscience reveals that ground-level ozone decreases new growth in tropical forests by an average of 5.1% each year.
This impact is even more pronounced in certain regions, with tropical forests in Asia experiencing a loss of 10.9% in new growth.
Tropical forests are essential “carbon sinks,” helping to capture and store carbon dioxide that would otherwise remain in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
“Tropical forests are vital in absorbing our carbon dioxide emissions,” explained co-lead author Dr. Alexander Cheesman from James Cook University and the University of Exeter.
“Our research indicates that air pollution can threaten this crucial ecosystem function.
“We estimate that since the year 2000, ozone has hindered the capture of 290 million tonnes of carbon annually. This cumulative loss represents a 17% decline in carbon removal by tropical forests in this century.”
The research team conducted experiments to assess various tropical tree species’ susceptibility to ozone, using the findings to enhance a global vegetation computer model.
Factors such as urbanization, industrial activity, fossil fuel combustion, and wildfires have increased the levels of “precursor” molecules such as nitrogen oxides, which lead to ozone formation.
“It is projected that ozone levels in tropical regions will continue to rise due to more emissions of precursor molecules and changing atmospheric chemistry caused by global warming,” noted co-lead author Dr. Flossie Brown, a recent graduate of the University of Exeter.
“Our findings reveal that current and future forest restoration areas, which are key to combatting climate change, are significantly affected by this increased ozone presence.
“Clearly, air quality will remain a critical yet often underestimated factor in how forests absorb and sequester carbon.”
Professor Stephen Sitch from the University of Exeter commented: “A commitment to a future with greater environmental protection could lead to lower ground-level ozone, thereby improving air quality and also enhancing carbon absorption in tropical forests.”
