Forest scientists also warn we'll need to defend our existing native forests, which lock up astonishing carbon stores. Ironically, the forests being planted to avert climate change will become more vulnerable to destruction as climate change worsens. "We need better data on fire risk, carbon uptake and water use (by different tree species) so we can find that balance." In extreme fires, or when fires happen too often for a protective upper-layer to form, this isn't the case. As part of a three-year project she's leading a team looking at how tussock burns and recovers, including looking at soil carbon.

Source: Stuff January 06, 2020 22:41 UTC