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Lightning Strikes Kill 320 Million Trees Annually

8/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Lightning strikes are wreaking havoc on our planet, claiming an astonishing 320 million trees each year. This devastation accounts for 2.9% of the world's plant biomass loss and releases a staggering 1.09 billion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. Researchers urge that the impact of lightning on tree mortality, especially in tropical areas, must be factored into future carbon assessments.

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Story summary

Lightning strikes are wreaking havoc on our planet, claiming an astonishing 320 million trees each year. This devastation accounts for 2.9% of the world's plant biomass loss and releases a staggering 1.09 billion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. Researchers urge that the impact of lightning on tree mortality, especially in tropical areas, must be factored into future carbon assessments.