• Forest loss does more than reduce tree cover. • A new global study involving UBC Okanagan researchers shows it can fundamentally change how watersheds hold and release water. • The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analyzed data from 657 watersheds across six continents.
Article Summaries:
- A global study led by researchers at UBC Okanagan has found that forest loss can make watersheds “leakier,” altering how they store and release water. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the analysis examined data from 657 watersheds on six continents. The findings suggest that deforestation not only reduces tree cover but also fundamentally changes watershed hydrology, potentially increasing runoff and reducing water retention. The research highlights the broader environmental impacts of forest loss beyond carbon sequestration, underscoring the need for integrated land‑water management strategies.
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