Forests are more important for keeping Earth cool than previously thought because they help create clouds that reflect sunlight back to space

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Scientists have determined forests in temperate zones like the United States are a key tool in combatting climate change because of their ability to draw cooling clouds.

Environmental engineers at Princeton University analyzed satellite records of cloud cover at latitudes of between 30 and 45 degrees—a region encompassing much of the US and Eurasia—from 2001 to 2010.

Comparing conditions in areas where forests had been planted or replanted with regions without tree cover, they found forests in midlatitudes attracted more clouds, helping to reflect sunlight back into space and keeping the area cooler.

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Forests are more important for keeping Earth cool than previously thought because they help create clouds that reflect sunlight back to space