Deforestation occurring in Africa may be reversed if changes to land use are made, according to a news release.
A new study from the University of Edinburgh of African savannas suggests a strategic approach is needed to manage "trees across the continent could have a positive impact on the changing climate."
The Natural Environment Research Council supported research team, and their findings were published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B.
Scientists examined data from studies of tree cover in African savannas, and combined their findings with 25-year record from satellite data.
"[The findings] revealed deforestation in south-central Africa, driven by rising populations in the aftermath of war, and increasing demand for trees for agriculture and fuel," the University said in a news release.
According to the University, the loss of forests would be detrimental to the ecosystem and the livelihood of populations.
"Scientists suggest that the situation could be alleviated by using sustainable fuel instead of charcoal, and ending the practice of burning forests to support agriculture and livestock," the University said.
Specifically, the loss of trees will have the biggest impact on climate change, as forests help reduce the amount of harmful carbon dioxide gas in the air.
"Tracking changes in woodland across the continent may help scientists better understand their effect on weather patterns, and improve predictions of global climate change," according to the news release. "The study identified a north-south divide - while most forests and woodlands in the south are losing tree cover, many north of the equator are gaining trees. The worst affected areas are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique."
According to the study, a forest in the Congo basin prospered due to the migration of cities, which resulted in less fires, and an increase of hunting, reducing tree destruction.
Dr. Ed Mitchard, of the University of Edinburgh's School of GeoSciences, who led the study, released the following statement:
"Land use in Africa influences how much its forests can grow - and their capacity for absorbing carbon emissions. If humans reduce burning and cutting forests and savannas these will grow and help to limit the impact of carbon emissions, but instead in many places people are impacting more on woodlands and forests, adding to carbon emissions."
