Large-scale tree planting is advocated to provide additional atmospheric cooling and further reduce global warming. This raises a question about the present time: do trees cool or warm the atmosphere? This question does not have a simple yes or no answer. Examination of the greenhouse effect, global warming and the carbon cycle, and how trees and forests function provides the basis for understanding how forests might cool or warm the atmosphere. Results from research and models indicate that cooling or warming depends on where forests are located and the type and color of trees. Cooling generally prevails over warming, but this may change. This book will appeal to anyone interested in climate change, ecology and conservation.

‘This is a well written book with useful summaries at the beginning and end of each chapter, and a good set of references that will act as a useful source of information for practitioners, researchers and students.’

Peter Thomas Source: British Ecological Society

‘This work is particularly appropriate and useful in this time of great interest in climate change.’

F. W. Yow Source: Choice

‘… this comprehensive treatment of trees and the forests they compose culminates in his discussion of possible forest-related methods of mitigation for atmospheric change-associated global warming. In essence, this is a significant, well-organized scholarly volume, and an important reference for policymakers who wish to arm themselves with facts relevant to one of today’s most important environmental issues.’

William L. Crepet Source: The Quarterly Review of Biology