• Previous Assumption: Rainforests were thought to capture more carbon dioxide (CO2) as temperatures rise due to hotter leaves absorbing more CO2.
• New Study Finding: A recent study challenges this assumption, revealing that hotter leaves actually capture less CO2.
• Impact on Rainforests: This finding suggests rainforests may become less effective at mitigating climate change as temperatures increase.²
• Mechanism: The study suggests hotter leaves lose water vapor more rapidly, closing pores that take in CO2.
• Bad News for Earth: Reduced carbon capture by rainforests could accelerate global warming.
• Uncertainties Remain: The study focused on Amazonian rainforests, and further research is needed to see if this applies to other rainforest ecosystems.

Read more at The Conversation.