Nature's big picture: Arctic forests

[dipsydoodle]

The expansion of these beautiful birch forests in Sweden's Arctic could be increasing the release of carbon into the atmosphere, say scientists. Research led by Iain Hartley from the University of Exeter showed that the forests appeared to stimulate the breakdown of organic matter in the soil - a process that releases carbon dioxide.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/18489445

[pansypoo53219]

1. already knew this. my cousin dan, the Phd wrote his thesis on this.

i need to ask him how screwed we are now.

[ginger12]

2. Beautiful trees, but will they be there long enough?

I did not know birch trees can be of this color. This looks really pretty. It is a really good thing that these trees expend and it is very sad that one day someone comes and cuts those trees. Deforestation is a big problem these and and it has been around for a while. Know of those huge piles of wooden pallets? They are made of these beautiful trees that you have shared with us. As soon as wooden pallets are produced, they are used to deliver food to our local stores. The other day I learnt that they actually pose food safety risks and cause environmental problems (fires etc)

Source: http://www.pallettruth.com

[dipsydoodle]

3. be there long enough?

Sweden and Finland are probably world leaders in sustainable forests : they know the exact rate to reap and sow to equalise the situation.

[ginger12]

4. Love those countries.

Sweden and Finland, those two are very well run countries. I have friends from Sweden and I like that country in general. Plus, they beat the French in Euro 2012!