Global warming drives water-efficient plants and increased leaf growth

Beijing (ANTARA) - Scientists have long believed that plants would cope with rising temperatures by increasing their optimal temperature for photosynthesis. However, new findings published in the journal One Nature Earth challenge this long-held assumption.

To test their theory, researchers analysed global land-based and satellite observation data collected over two decades, between 2000 and 2019. The study found that although ecosystems worldwide are increasing their capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, the optimal temperature for photosynthesis has remained largely unchanged, particularly in arid and cold regions.

Researchers discovered that temperature adaptation accounts for less than 20 per cent of the increase in global carbon absorption. Instead, the increase in carbon uptake is primarily driven by plants that use water more efficiently and expand their canopies by producing more leaves. Improved water utilisation proved to be the most significant factor across various environments.

According to the researchers, these findings suggest that future climate models should focus more on how plants manage water and growth, rather than relying solely on plant responses to temperature. Furthermore, the researchers noted that their findings could lead to more accurate predictions regarding Earth’s natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide and assist in better evaluating the complex feedbacks that will shape the climate in the coming years.