by strong winds and the tree too weak because it grew too fast...

by strong winds and the tree too weak because it grew too fast

“higher CO2 levels are making trees weaker, according to several studies:

Trees are growing faster due to increased CO2 levels, but the wood produced is less dense and weaker.[2] A study found that wood density decreased by 8-12% in four major tree species in Germany over the past century as CO2 levels rose.[2][3] Lower wood density means the trees are more prone to breaking from storms, wind, gravity, etc.[3]

The reduced wood density also corresponds to a lower carbon content of around 50% less.[2][3] This suggests trees are less efficient at absorbing and storing atmospheric CO2 as they grow bigger.[2]

Additionally, faster growth rates have been linked to shorter lifespans for trees, compounding the issue of weaker wood.[3] While rising CO2 boosts photosynthesis and growth, the tradeoff appears to be producing weaker, flimsier trees that are more vulnerable to damage and early death.[2][3]

Sources
[1] As Carbon Dioxide Grows More Abundant, Trees Are ... - Yale E360 https://e360.yale.edu/digest/carbon-dioxide-climate-change-bigger-trees
[2] Climate change is making trees bigger, but weaker | Science | AAAS https://www.science.org/content/article/climate-change-making-trees-bigger-weaker
[3] Climate change is making trees bigger, but also weaker https://theconversation.com/climate-change-is-making-trees-bigger-but-also-weaker-203090
[4] High CO2 levels cause plants to thicken their leaves, which could ... https://www.washington.edu/news/2018/10/01/thick-leaves-high-co2/
[5] Plants might be able to absorb more CO2 from human activities than ... https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/arti...om-human-activities-than-previously-expected/