Forest

By Johnny Wood

Scientists are exploring whether coniferous trees might help to counter the effects of global warming.

Deep in Sweden’s spruce forests researchers from Lund University are studying the cooling qualities of organic compounds called terpenes, which are abundant in conifer resin and also give spruce, fir and pine trees their distinctive scent.

When released into the atmosphere, these tiny particles interact with moisture to help form clouds that reflect sunlight away from the planet’s surface.

A landmark study from The Australian National University (ANU) has found that forest soils need several decades to recover from bushfires and logging -- much longer than previously thought.

Lead researcher Elle Bowd from the ANU Fenner School of Environment and Society said the team found forest soils recovered very slowly over many years from these events -- up to 80 years following a bushfire and at least 30 years after logging.