Researchers have shown that reforestation in the southeastern U.S. has had a cooling effect on the region. The findings of Mallory Barnes and her associates are documented in a Feb. 13 research article in Earth’s Future, published by the American Geophysical Union.
This new research helps explain a “warming hole” over parts of the Southeast where temperatures have remained steady or grown cooler despite a broader North American warming trend.
“The strong and persistent increase in forest cover throughout the region in the 20th century contributed to cooling, which is consistent with observed temperature changes,” the researchers conclude. “In addition, the findings demonstrate that reforestation has a consistent cooling effect on both surface and air temperatures, especially during midsummer periods when high temperatures can be most harmful.”
According to the researchers, restored forests cool the Southeast by as much as 3.6°F during summer months.
Featured Image: Reforested lands in the Southeast correspond to cooler regional temperatures (Barnes, et al., 2024).
