The Ohio State University

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As of May 2026: Lead institution on forest carbon study

American forests have stored more carbon over the past two decades than at any point in the last century. A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that forest age is the primary driver, locking in 89 million metric tons of carbon annually as trees reach peak growth stages. Climate factors (temperature, precipitation, and elevated carbon dioxide) add another 66 million metric tons per year.

Updated May 29