"Rising carbon dioxide levels are driving a global "greening effect," with vegetation increasing by at least 15 percent over the past 40 years. Research, including a landmark study on 180-year-old oak trees in England, confirms a 10 percent growth increase under higher CO2 levels. Similar results in Duke Forest (North Carolina) showed pine trees growing up to 27 percent larger annually. Satellite data reveals expanding vegetation worldwide, including desert retreats (e.g., southern Sahara). U.S. forests have grown 20-30 percent since 1970, now offsetting 10-13 percent of national emissions.
Plants – including trees – have evolved over millions of years to flourish in atmospheric CO2 levels far higher than today's 420 parts per million (ppm). In fact, prehistoric CO2 concentrations were three times current levels and vegetation thrived. Ohio State University researchers discovered that nearly all major U.S. forest types – except aspen birch – have increased in biomass by 20 to 30 percent since 1970.
The modest recovery to 420 ppm has reversed this trend, revitalizing ecosystems. But instead of celebrating this natural resurgence, policymakers fixate on "Net Zero" fantasies, ignoring the science that proves CO2's vital role in sustaining life."
