Wisconsin Study Finds CO₂ Boosts Forest Productivity, Ozone Reduces Gains

A Wisconsin experiment monitored forest communities over eleven years, exposing them to elevated carbon dioxide and ozone. Results showed that higher CO₂ levels significantly boosted forest productivity and carbon storage. In contrast, increased ozone concentrations reduced both productivity and ecosystem carbon content. When both gases were present, the growth‑stimulating effect of CO₂ was partially offset by ozone’s limiting influence. The study underscores the nuanced ways forests respond to atmospheric changes, revealing that CO₂ can enhance growth while ozone can erode those gains. These findings are critical for predicting forest contributions to carbon sequestration and informing climate‑adaptation strategies.