PHOTO: SUPPLIEDResearch using fossils from Otago’s controversial Foulden Maar site shows possible future environmental conditions may be more favourable to plant growth and forest expansion, resulting in a global greening effect. It provided the first evidence that Foulden Maar trees, growing in an environment with elevated carbon dioxide levels, functioned very differently from trees today. In the not so distant future, environmental conditions could be more favourable to plant growth and forest expansion — a global greening effect. The research continued to highlight the potential of the scientifically valuable Foulden Maar, which "came close to being used for pig food and palm oil fertiliser", he said. The Dunedin City Council in July said it was continuing to work with the receivers of Foulden Maar.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 20, 2020 16:30 UTC