“Cloudy, Wet, and Cold: The Impact of Deforestation on Africa’s Montane Forests”

Montane forests in Africa are facing a significant threat due to deforestation, leading to a loss of biodiversity and impacting water resources for millions of people in the lowlands. A recent study published in Nature Communications revealed that as much as 18% of Africa’s montane forests have been lost in the last two decades, resulting in a warming and rise in cloud levels that is twice as high as that caused by climate change.

Professor Dirk Zeuss from the University of Marburg emphasized the strong consequences of this deforestation on water resources and biodiversity. The study, conducted in the highlands of Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and South Africa, highlighted the importance of forested mountain tops in trapping water from fog and clouds, providing high-quality fresh water for the surrounding areas.

Professor Petri Pellikka, the director of Taita Research Station, explained that the rise in cloud levels decreases water harvesting, as the fog deposited on the forest canopy is essential for water supply. The study found that annually, forested mountain tops receive 20% more water compared to open areas, emphasizing the critical role of forests in water storage and supply.

Dr. Andreas Hemp from the University of Bayreuth, who has been researching in Kilimanjaro for 30 years, noted that around 50% of the forest around Mount Kilimanjaro has been lost since 1880, highlighting the ongoing threat of deforestation in the region. The negative relationship between temperature and elevation also poses challenges, as large-scale deforestation can offset the cooling effect of elevation and induce comparable warming at higher elevations in African montane forests.

The study called for urgent action to address the threats posed by deforestation, emphasizing the need to protect these vital ecosystems for biodiversity and water supply. The research, funded by the European Commission, involved scientists from various institutions, including the University of Helsinki, University of Marburg, University of Bayreuth, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Addis Abeba University, and North-West University.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of preserving montane forests in Africa to ensure water security and biodiversity conservation for the future.