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Carbon accumulation rate peaks at 1,000-m elevation in tropical planted and regrowth forests

Published Article

Global

Publication date: January 17, 2025

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This study identifies clear elevation‑dependent patterns in tropical tree growth using multiple data streams and modeling approaches. Growth rates rise steadily between 300 and 1,000 m but decline at higher elevations, with optimal ranges varying by mountain temperature regimes. These findings underscore the importance of elevation in shaping forest regeneration potential and provide actionable guidance for policymakers designing climate‑smart reforestation strategies across the tropics, where forest recovery is urgently needed to counter ongoing deforestation and carbon‑sink loss.

Subject Tags

  • Forest
  • Carbon storage
  • Climate impacts

Abstract

Tropical forests, accounting for approximately 40%–50% of global forest carbon sink, are under threat from ongoing deforestation. Thus, it is essential to regenerate tree cover pan-tropically, either in areas where forests have historically existed or where they have never existed before. Nevertheless, challenges persist in pinpointing which elevational ranges exhibit rapid growth rate. Using multiple data streams, as well as modeling and mapping approaches, our analysis reveals a robust and consistently increasing trend in the tree growth rate at elevations between 300 and 1,000 m but a subsequently declining trend at elevations >1,000 m. This optimal elevation also varies across mountains with different background temperatures. Our findings underscore the importance of elevation impacts on tree growth and can help guide policymakers in implementing reforestation initiatives at optimal elevations in the tropics.

Citation

Su, Y., Li, X., Zhang, C., Yan, W., Ciais, P., Cook-Patton, S. C., ... & Chen, X. (2025). Carbon accumulation rate peaks at 1,000-m elevation in tropical planted and regrowth forests. One Earth, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.11.001

TNC Authors