Empirical estimate of forestation-induced precipitation changes in Europe

Land-cover changes can affect the climate by altering water and energy balance of land surface. Numerous modelling studies have indicated that alterations at surface result in considerable precipitation. Yet land-cover-induced precipitation remain largely unconstrained observations. Here we use an observation-based continental-scale statistical model to show forestation rain-fed agricultural Europe triggers substantial Locally, find increase following forestation, particular winter, which is supported a paired rain-gauge analysis. In addition, forests are estimated downwind most regions during summer. By contrast, effect winter positive coastal areas but near neutral negative Continental Northern Europe, respectively. The combined local non-local effects realistic reforestation scenario, constrained sustainability safeguards, summer 7.6 ± 6.7% on average over (0.13 0.11 mm d–1), potentially offsetting part projected decrease from change. We therefore conclude should be considered when developing land-management strategies for change adaptation mitigation. Forestation changes, according results model.