Weather Words: Reforestation Rainfall

We know that trees provide many benefits beyond shade on a sunny day. Forests have a cooling effect in the face of climate change, and they also provide something just as important: rainfall.

Reforestation rainfall refers to the phenomenon where replanting trees can lead to more rainfall, especially in areas that have experienced deforestation. This occurs because trees absorb and release water through their roots and leaves (evapotranspiration), which increases the amount of moisture in the atmosphere, leading to more rain.

Science has shown that the Amazon forest accounts for 48% of the average rainfall in Rondônia, a state in Brazil. In Borneo, where large-scale deforestation has caused forests to reduce by 15%, rainfall has also declined by 15%.

Reforestation isn't just about restoring beauty, it's about restoring balance. By protecting and planting trees, we are doing much more than helping cool the planet, we are restoring the rainfall as well.

Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.