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Lightning Destroys 320 Million Trees, Threatens Climate Goals

8/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A striking study in Global Change Biology reveals that lightning claims around 320 million trees each year, unleashing nearly one billion tons of CO2—comparable to Japan's emissions. Led by Andreas Krause, the research warns that climate change could escalate lightning strikes, threatening forests in tropical and higher latitude regions, and jeopardizing our climate goals.

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Story summary

A striking study in Global Change Biology reveals that lightning claims around 320 million trees each year, unleashing nearly one billion tons of CO2—comparable to Japan's emissions. Led by Andreas Krause, the research warns that climate change could escalate lightning strikes, threatening forests in tropical and higher latitude regions, and jeopardizing our climate goals.