Trees around the world are starting to ‘cough’ because they can’t cope with excess CO2

‘Coughing’ is more common in trees in dry and hot climates. In such areas, the intensity of this process is doubled. Humid regions with moderate temperatures are more favourable for the planet’s ‘green lungs’. At the same time, ‘coughing’ in trees is possible in any areas where temperatures exceed the 20 °C mark.

In his statement, Lloyd notes that humans have upset the balance of an important biological cycle, and that plants and climate are inextricably linked. Rapid climate change and rising global temperatures are depriving humanity of an important resource that can make the air cleaner. The US Department of Energy estimates that forests can absorb up to 25 per cent of atmospheric CO2. Global warming is reducing this figure.