A recent study by the Innovation Team of Agricultural Remote Sensing at the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, has uncovered the dynamic biophysical effects of forest loss on surface temperature. The findings have been published in The Innovation journal.

The study found that while existing remote sensing observations have confirmed static changes in surface temperature due to forest loss, they often overlook the dynamic temperature responses resulting from vegetation changes following deforestation or forest disturbances. To address this gap, the team developed a novel method for assessing dynamic temperature responses. This method comprehensively tracks the entire temperature response process by examining abrupt and gradual changes in temperature trends, as well as seasonal temperature cycle variations.

Using a long-term surface temperature product developed by the team, researchers conducted an in-depth analysis and found that globally, forest loss has indeed resulted in a significant warming effect, increasing temperatures by an average of approximately 0.12 Kelvin. However, this warming effect is gradually diminishing at a rate of 0.14 Kelvin per decade.

Further regional analysis revealed that in mid- and low-latitude areas, forest loss due to agricultural expansion and urbanization has led to sustained surface warming. In contrast, warming effects caused by agricultural shifts, forestry management activities, and disturbances such as fires tend to weaken as vegetation gradually recovers. Notably, in the boreal regions, forestry management practices have intensified local cooling trends, while fires, although initially causing a warming effect, subsequently lead to a more pronounced cooling trend.

The study also found that forest loss significantly amplifies the seasonal temperature amplitude in boreal regions and causes the seasonal cycle phase to advance in low-latitude areas. These findings not only address the limitations of previous research based on static temperature differences but also provide crucial scientific evidence for developing global climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.

This groundbreaking research was supported by the National Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Dryland and Semiarid Farmland in Northern China and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. The publication of this study offers new perspectives for a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between forest ecosystems and global climate change.