Crowther Lab

Two important scientific papers, the first by Crowther et al. (2015) in Nature and the second by Bastin et al. (2019) in Science, broke new ground in estimating global tree density and and potential carbon sequestration through tree restoration as a highly effective approach to climate change. These papers were widely reported in the media and influenced a proliferation of tree-planting organisations and operation. Since publication , both other scientists and the authors themselves have sought to complicate the positioning of tree planting as a straightforward solution, debating the figures about carbon sequestration, the relationship between forest and grassland ecologies, and the ecological dynamics to be considered in tree restoration.

Learn more about this work in our radio episode with Thomas Crowther.