Plants Are “Leaking” – And It Could Make Global Warming Even Worse
February 23, 2025 | Source: SciTech Daily | by University of British Columbia
Plants are essential in regulating Earth’s climate, but new research suggests rising temperatures may disrupt this balance. Scientists have discovered that plants release more water into the atmosphere than previously believed, which could have significant implications for climate predictions.
Dr. Sean Michaletz, an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia and a recent Sloan Research Fellow in botany, studies how plants respond to heat. His research challenges a long-held assumption about plant water loss, potentially reshaping how climate models forecast future warming.
What do “leaky” plants have to do with climate change?
Our entire biosphere depends on plants. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide through tiny pores in their leaves and, using light, ‘breathe out’ water vapor and oxygen in an exchange. Since carbon dioxide is the main driver of global warming, understanding how temperature affects this process is crucial for predicting climate change.