The green flip side of carbon emissions

• Autores: Fred Pearce
• Localización: New scientist, ISSN 0262-4079, Nº. 2920, 2013, pág. 14
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • The planet is getting lusher. Carbon dioxide generated by human activity is stimulating photosynthesis and causing a beneficial greening of the Earth's surface. For the first time, researchers claim to have shown that the increase in plant cover is due to this "CO^sub 2^ fertilisation effect" rather than other causes. However, it remains unclear whether the effect can counter any negative consequences of global warming, such as the spread of deserts. Recent satellite studies have shown that the planet is harboring more vegetation overall, but pinning down the cause has been difficult. Factors such as higher temperatures, extra rainfall, and an increase in atmospheric CO^sub 2^--which helps plants use water more efficiently--could all be boosting vegetation