Scientists Warn Against Tree Planting in Arctic Regions to Combat Climate Change

USUnited States|

Recent research published in Nature Geoscience has raised alarm over proposals to plant trees in Arctic regions such as Alaska, Greenland, and Iceland for carbon storage. The study, led by Marc Macias-Fauria, asserts that this practice could exacerbate climate issues instead of mitigating them. According to the research, snow-covered Arctic ground reflects about 75% of solar radiation back into space, but trees can darken the surface, causing increased heat absorption.

Furthermore, the study highlights that Arctic soils contain more carbon than all the trees on Earth combined. The introduction of trees could stimulate microbial activity in the soil, leading to the breakdown of ancient carbon stores and releasing more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Indigenous communities that depend on the tundra for their traditional livelihoods could also be adversely affected by these initiatives. The findings suggest that preserving existing ecosystems and protecting large grazing animals, like caribou, may be a more effective strategy for Arctic conservation.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United States

Plane Collision Claims Three Lives in Fiery Crash

A plane struck a car in a devastating accident that resulted in the deaths of three individuals in a massive fireball. According to local media reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, triggering emergency services to rush to the scene. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as flames engulfed both the aircraft and the vehicle, with debris scattered across the area. Authorities have confirmed that the victims were inside the car at the time of the impact. Investigators from the aviation safety board are on-site to determine the circumstances leading to the crash. Local officials expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. "This is a tragic loss for our community, and we are committed to uncovering the facts surrounding this incident," an unnamed source stated. Further information regarding the flight path of the aircraft and details about the airline involved have yet to be released as authorities continue their investigation.
USUnited States

WTO Warns of Potential 80% Drop in US-China Trade Amid Rising Tensions

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has issued a dire warning about the escalating trade tensions between the United States and China, projecting a potential decrease in bilateral merchandise trade of up to 80%. According to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director General, this contraction poses a significant risk not only to the two economies but also to global trading dynamics, particularly affecting lesser-developed nations. The WTO's preliminary estimate emerged on April 10, 2025, coinciding with increased tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Chinese imports, although some tariffs have been deferred for 90 days. The organization emphasized that continued escalation of these trade disputes could lead to a “decoupling” of the two largest economies in the world, contributing to a fragmentation of global trade. The economic ramifications could be severe, with projections suggesting a long-term reduction in global real GDP of nearly 7 percent. In response, China's mission to the WTO confirmed the filing of an additional complaint regarding U.S. tariffs, highlighting ongoing tensions in the trade relationship.
USUnited States

Five Spanish Tourists Killed in Tragic Helicopter Crash Over Hudson River

A helicopter crash in the Hudson River on April 10, 2025, has claimed the lives of five Spanish tourists, including three children, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Spanish Embassy. The incident occurred shortly before 3:30 PM local time when the helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, experienced structural failure approximately 20 minutes into its flight from a Lower Manhattan helipad. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft partially disintegrate in mid-air before plunging into the icy waters near Jersey City. The pilot's body has also been recovered, bringing the death toll to six. Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene, with one stating, "I saw the helicopter fall" and another recalling ominous sounds before the crash. Local lawmakers, including New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, have labeled the accident a “predictable tragedy,” urging a ban on non-essential helicopter flights over Manhattan due to safety concerns. The helicopter industry contributes approximately $50 million annually to New York City’s economy, but persistent issues with noise complaints and the lack of strict regulations have sparked calls for reform.
USUnited States