New research maps optimal locations for climate-fighting reforestation
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 17-Dec-2025 18:12 ET (17-Dec-2025 23:12 GMT/UTC)
New research from the Future Ecosystems for Africa program at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, has created the most accurate maps yet of where reforestation can effectively combat climate change.
The study identifies 195 million hectares globally where tree restoration will deliver maximum climate benefits without harming communities or ecosystems.
The study, published in Nature Communications and drawing from 89 previous research projects, provides the most comprehensive mapping yet of areas where reforestation can deliver optimal climate benefits while supporting wildlife habitat, food production, and freshwater availability.
Osaka Metropolitan University researchers have successfully increased the production of D-lactic acid from methanol by exposing Komagataella phaffii yeast to ultraviolet irradiation.
Using national rural data, this study finds that adaptive behaviors in China's grain production mitigate 52.5%–63.5% of high-temperature impacts. But they can't effectively reduce excessive precipitation impacts. Tech progress and input adjustments are key adaptation mechanisms.