US Edition
New model indicates 320 million trees are killed by lightning each year—considerable biomass loss
GLOBAL, JUL 22 – Lightning kills an estimated 320 million trees yearly, causing 2.1% to 2.9% of global plant biomass loss and releasing up to 1.09 billion tons of CO2, TUM researchers report.
- In Global Change Biology last month, a TUM team estimated that lightning kills about 320 million trees annually, the first global assessment of its ecological impact.
- Their calculations indicate that lightning-driven mortality accounts for 2.1–2.9% of annual global plant biomass loss, emitting 0.77–1.09 gigatonnes of CO2, researchers said.
- Currently, lightning-induced tree mortality is highest in tropical regions, Andreas Krause notes, highlighting pinpointed regional impacts and ecological significance.
- The researchers emphasize that lightning mortality accounts for 2.1–2.9% of global biomass loss, emitting 0.77–1.09 gigatonnes of CO2, impacting climate models and forest resilience.
- Future forecasts suggest most climate models point to more lightning, which Andreas Krause says could increase tree mortality globally.
13 Articles
13 Articles
New model indicates 320 million trees are killed by lightning each year—considerable biomass loss
Lightning has a greater impact on forests than previously thought. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed new model calculations that, for the first time, estimate the global influence of lightning on forest ecosystems.
German researchers used a computer model to calculate how many trees are struck by lightning each year. It turned out that many more trees are killed this way than expected.
A study by the Technical University of Munich shows that lightning strikes are a previously underestimated cause of tree death and CO₂ emissions. The researchers found that over 300 million trees are lost each year due to direct or indirect lightning strikes – with consequences for the climate. The publication also sparked lively discussions on social media.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
