Researchers at Nanjing University and Fujian Normal University in China have created a dataset that analyzes rates of regrowth in major deforestation regions over the last four decades. Instead of just measuring how much land is covered by trees again (area recovery), this dataset focuses on how the forests are rebuilding their structure. It includes factors such as tree height, the amount of plant material above ground (biomass), leaf coverage, and how much sunlight the leaves use for photosynthesis. This approach gives a clearer picture of how forests recover and store carbon, helping to guide reforestation efforts.
Image Credits: Maxim Hopman