The global potential of forest restoration for drought mitigation

Abstract Forest restoration is increasingly applied as a climate change mitigation measure. Apart from sequestering carbon, the large-scale addition of trees on Earth may enhance global precipitation levels. Here we estimate effects forest potential by estimating its evaporation and simulating downwind effect moisture added to atmosphere. We find that maximum forestation would average increase 0.6 mm d ?1 two-thirds additional rain out over land, especially during growing season. Next, excluding natural grasslands prioritizing enhancement above areas are projected become drier due change, establish where have greatest benefits. Our results thus provide first step towards programs double climate-change efforts.