2023-10-26 18:57:49
New Study Reveals Millions of “Lost” Trees in Europe
A groundbreaking study published in Science Advances has shed light on the hidden world of trees growing outside traditional forest areas in Europe. Researchers used an advanced algorithm that combines satellite images and artificial intelligence to identify trees outside wooded regions. The study found that a staggering 15 million hectares of trees across the continent go unnoticed and are not included in biomass calculations.
The presence of these “lost” trees has significant implications for carbon storage, biodiversity, and overall environmental health. Trees are known to absorb carbon dioxide from the air, provide habitats for wildlife, and enhance the overall well-being of people. However, because these outdoor forest trees are not considered in national forest inventories, a substantial amount of biomass is being overlooked.
Lead researcher Martin Brandt explains, “This study shows that we don’t have a good picture of all the carbon stored outside forests. It should actually be included in climate models and biomass inventories.” The study found that Europe has an astounding one billion tons of biomass hidden in trees outside traditional forest areas, highlighting the urgent need to account for these trees in climate change policies and forest management strategies.
The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Denmark stand out as the countries with the most trees outside of traditional forest areas. The Netherlands, in particular, takes the crown in Europe with almost 25 percent of its tree cover found outside wooded regions. Of this, 8 percent thrives in urban areas, proving that trees can successfully coexist with urban development.
The study’s findings have far-reaching implications for countries like Denmark, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands, where forest areas are not extensive. Brandt emphasizes that these trees play a crucial role in promoting biodiversity, creating microclimates, providing habitats, improving landscapes, and regulating water cycles. Understanding and incorporating the presence of these trees will enable better metrics and models for preserving and managing forests and their overall impact on the environment.
The study also demonstrates the power of artificial intelligence in research. Researcher Siyu Liu explains, “Our artificial intelligence delivers high-quality results that are almost as accurate as satellite images. Our maps of trees outside forests have a precision of 92.4 percent.” This advancement in technology allows for precise and detailed monitoring of forests and biomass, which was previously only possible through labor-intensive manual measurements.
As landscapes rapidly change, accurately assessing carbon storage becomes paramount. By incorporating these “lost” trees into monitoring frameworks, researchers can continuously track and analyze carbon storage and overall forest health. This newfound knowledge will contribute to more effective climate change mitigation strategies, biodiversity conservation efforts, and landscape planning in Europe and around the world.]
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