The article shows the results from extensive research conducted over several decades in tropical forests especially at La Selva Biological Station. The research conducted by David and Deborah Clark and other scientists revealed that small temperature rises create substantial effects on tree development. The research conducted by the scientists shows that tropical trees experience reduced growth during warmer years but show increased growth during cooler years. Tropical forests play an essential role because they occupy 17% of Earth's land surface yet contain 40% of terrestrial carbon and generate more than one-third of global plant growth. Tropical forests function as significant carbon sinks because they effectively trap excessive CO₂ from the atmosphere. The research shows a disturbing positive feedback loop: CO₂ increases global warming, which slows down tropical tree growth, which reduces carbon uptake, and in turn, accelerates global warming. This loop suggests that tropical forests, which were once thought to be a buffer against climate change, may soon become net emitters of CO₂ in a very worrying possibility. Scientists work to engineer C₃ plants which represent most food crops to acquire traits from efficient C₄ and CAM plants. The acquired traits would enhance plant resistance to heat and drought conditions and salinity while improving their carbon uptake efficiency. The implementation of this solution faces obstacles because of genetic incompatibilities and hybrid sterility issues. The natural occurrence of this shift multiple times according to evolutionary evidence indicates that advanced genomic techniques could potentially achieve this transformation.
Beyond engineering plants, other solutions include protecting and restoring tropical forests, reducing deforestation, and investing in renewable energy to cut fossil fuel emissions. Supporting biodiversity and sustainable land use practices also play crucial roles. Ultimately, tackling climate change requires a multifaceted approach that combines biological innovation, conservation, and policy action.