Perpetuating the myth of the return of native forests

Sci Adv. 2017 May 17;3(5):e1601768. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.1601768. eCollection 2017 May.

Abstract

Viña et al. imply that native forests account for China's marked increase in tree cover and that tree plantations play a minimal role. All 71 tweets linked to the article reinforce the idea that China's native forests are returning, whereas a review of their methodology indicates that it is not likely accurate. Referring news articles (n = 19) were dominated by terms associated with native forests, whereas tree plantations were rarely mentioned.

Keywords: afforestation; forests; native forest; plantations; reforestation; tree farms.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • China
  • Ecosystem
  • Forests*
  • Trees*