Trees absorb a tenth less CO2 from the atmosphere during droughts . 2010 dry spell saw forest release about 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide . This is as much as annual emissions of China and Russia combined . Trees may be channelling more limited energy reserves into growth .
Trees absorb a tenth less CO2 from the atmosphere during droughts . 2010 dry spell saw forest release 8 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide . This is as much as annual emissions of China and Russia combined . Trees may be channelling more limited energy reserves into growth .