Carbon & Climate Change

This body of research investigates how forests contribute to climate regulation through carbon storage and fluxes, and how climate change, land-use dynamics, and ecological processes influence these functions. Work in this area combines remote sensing, field data, and modeling to quantify biomass and carbon stocks, assess the impacts of deforestation and degradation, and explore the potential of restoration and conservation to mitigate climate change. Key themes include mapping aboveground carbon density, understanding the drivers of carbon loss and gain, evaluating the effectiveness of carbon offset schemes, and uncovering global patterns in decomposition and forest structure. These insights inform policy and practical strategies for carbon management and nature-based solutions.

Featured Publications

Mitigating risk of credit reversal in nature-based carbon offsets through targeted protection and restoration
Rau, E.-P.; Gross, J.; Coomes, D. A.; et al. – Carbon Management (2023)
DOI: 10.1080/17583004.2023.2252601
This study assesses the vulnerability of carbon offset projects to future losses from deforestation and degradation, proposing spatially targeted strategies for restoration and protection to reduce reversal risks and enhance the permanence of carbon credits.

The global distribution and drivers of wood decomposition
Mo, L.; Crowther, T. W.; Maynard, D. S.; Coomes, D. A.; et al. – Nature Ecology & Evolution (2023)
DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02198-5
This paper presents a global synthesis of wood decomposition rates, showing how temperature, moisture, and wood traits interact to regulate forest carbon cycling, with implications for climate-carbon feedbacks.

Tallo: A global tree allometry and crown architecture database
Jucker, T.; Fischer, F. J.; Chave, J.; Coomes, D. A.; et al. – Global Change Biology (2023)
DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17063
Introducing the Tallo database, this work compiles global data on tree form and architecture to support more accurate estimates of forest biomass and carbon, especially in under-sampled regions.

A global evaluation of the effectiveness of voluntary REDD+ projects
Guizar-Coutiño, A.; Jones, J. P. G.; Coomes, D. A.; et al. – Conservation Biology (2023)
DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14084
This evaluation shows that many voluntary REDD+ projects have not reduced deforestation compared to baseline trends, highlighting the need for improved project design and rigorous monitoring frameworks to ensure climate benefits.

Integrated global assessment of the natural forest carbon potential
Mo, L.; Zohner, C. M.; Reich, P. B.; Coomes, D. A.; et al. – Nature (2023)
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06893-6
Combining climate, biodiversity, and forest structure data, this landmark study maps where natural forest regeneration can deliver the greatest climate mitigation potential while supporting biodiversity and resilience.