Forest and cloud

A first global assessment using satellite observations shows that for two-thirds of the world, afforestation increases low-level cloud cover, with the effect being strongest over evergreen needleleaf forest. Because trees sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into biomass, forests are widely championed for their role in mitigating climate change. However, forests also offer climate benefits through localised cooling by increasing cloud cover and generating rainfall.

Read full story: Satellites reveal how forests increase cloud and cool climate