Hidden carbon: Fungi and their ‘necromass’ absorb one-third of the carbon emitted by burning fossil fuels every year

<https://theconversation.com/hidden-carbon-fungi-and-their-necromass-absorb-one-third-of-the-carbon-emitted-by-burning-fossil-fuels-every-year-206674>

"Beneath our feet, remarkable networks of fungal filaments stretch out in all
directions. These mycorrhizal fungi live in partnership with plants, offering
nutrients, water and protection from pests in exchange for carbon-rich sugars.

Now, new research shows this single group of fungi may quietly be playing a
bigger role in storing carbon than we thought.

How much bigger? These microscopic filaments take up the equivalent of more
than a third (36%) of the world’s annual carbon emissions from fossil fuels –
every year.

As we search for ways to slow or stop the climate crisis, we often look to
familiar solutions: cutting fossil fuel use, switching to renewables and
restoring forests. This research shows we need to look down too, into our
soils."

Cheers,
       *** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net               Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/                 Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/            Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/               Manager, Serious Cybernetics