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The Carbon Project

Researchers at the Institute for Applied Ecology are trying to determine how many trees we would need to plant to neutralize Australia’s carbon output.

Lucy Harrington speaks with Professor Ross Thompson and Dr Fiona Dyer about the reforestation of the Australian mainland.

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The main aims of the Institute for Applied Ecology’s ‘Carbon Project’ are to predict environmental responses to reforestation of mainland Australia and the benefits this may have in combating climate change.

Researchers are theorising how many millions of trees need to be planted to take in enough carbon to neutralise Australia’s carbon output. The planting of so many trees will have massive impacts on waterways, landscapes and biodiversity.

Professor Ross Thompson said that a main concern with reforestation is if there is enough water to maintain millions of new trees.

“We are concerned what the consequences might be for water availability.”

Thompson said that part of their research was looking into where trees should be planted in order to increase positive impacts of reforestation and reduce pressure on water resources.

Dr Fiona Dyer said that reforestation would have positive effects on waterways.

“Reforestation in the landscape has a number of beneficial effects. The two main ones are that it will slow the water down and also reduce stream temperatures.”

“It looks like one of the major effects of climate change is going to be produced through increase in temperatures… Replanting the trees that grow along rivers decreases the temperature of the water by up to 4 degrees.”

Findings of the project will be used by government agencies and landowners to better understand their options to contribute to effective long term environmental planning.

Further information can be found at the Institute for Applied Ecology.

[Filed 27 September 2015]

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