The Critical Role of Temperate Forests in the Modern Warming Period

Abstract

The role of soil respiration ( Rs ) in the global carbon cycle has long been recognized. However, amidst the strong emphasis placed on the impact of anthropogenic carbon dioxide ( CO 2 ) emissions on global warming, the role of Rs tends to be overlooked. The volume of CO 2 generated through Rs far exceeds that generated through anthropogenic emissions. Furthermore, Rs increases in tandem with increasing temperature ( T ). Consequently, in the current era of global warming, the CO 2 released through Rs , driven by rising temperatures, represents an additional quantity beyond the existing equilibrium level of atmospheric CO 2 . Compared with tropical rainforests, temperate for ests experience greater T fluctuations; as a result, the T dependence of Rs is more pronounced in these ecosystems. It is therefore believed that vegetation and temperate forests play decisive roles in influencing global warming. The specific role played by temperate forests, particularly in relation to T changes (Δ T ) and the concomitant changes in CO 2 concentration (Δ CO 2 ), has been highlighted by our recent research findings. This role is now further corroborated by multiple results derived from satellite observations. We anticipate that future reports based on continued satellite measurements and analyses will provide further insights into this critical subject.