In a new global study of more than 46,000 species of trees, an international team of researchers has shown that many tree species are under substantial pressure and poorly protected. The research team, headed by Aarhus University, has also studied how this situation can be improved by means of ambitious and smart designation of new protected natural areas.

Warmer temperatures, increased globalisation and more people are putting pressure on Earth's biodiversity and ecosystems. This means that many of the planet's species are threatened by extinction, and ecosystems are at risk of collapsing. Future generations will also experience extreme climate change and living conditions. A new centre at Aarhus University will now prevent things from going that badly.

Around half of the world’s plant species rely on animals to spread their seeds. A new international study has shown that, as a consequence of the biodiversity loss of birds and mammals, these plants’ ability to adapt to climate change has fallen by 60%.

With data from Aarhus University, among other places, more than 140 researchers from all over the world have calculated that there must be some 73,300 tree species on Earth, of which around 9,200 are as yet undiscovered. This is 14 per cent higher than previously assumed. The study also suggests that almost one-third of the species are rare.