February 26, 2019
Plant-for-the-Planet
Researchers from University College London assume a connection between the end of the medieval warm period and reforestation.
When Europeans came to America in 1492, they brought unknown diseases for which the indigenous people had no immunity. A bit more than a century after Columbus’ arrival around 90% of the population had been lost.
The 56 Million deaths had an unexpected effect:
An area of almost 60 million hectares was no longer needed because of fall in population. Therefore, former farmland and pasture reverted back to forest. By 1610 it meant that atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) dropped leading to the dawn of the “Little Ice Age”, ending the medieval warm period. This new period was marked by much colder winters and summers in Europe.
That means: Reforestation can really help us to slow down the climate crisis now.
If you want to know more about this stunning study, you can find it here: sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277379118307261
Help us to influence our global climate today and plant trees!
This article is over a year old and may not reflect latest facts and figures. If you have any questions, please contact media@plant-for-the-planet.org
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