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Study: Forests Using Water More Efficiently

Researchers have found that trees around the world have begun to use water more efficiently as levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have increased.

by Carol Flake

Sam Houston National Forest
Credit: Justin Dehn

Researchers have found that trees around the world have begun to use water more efficiently as levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have increased. According to a paper published in the journal Nature, Harvard University scientists, working with a research team from the U.S. Forest Service and other universities, discovered that the increases in efficiency were greater than those predicted by computer models. Nevertheless, the scientists expressed concern about what rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide mean for the planet.

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