SavannologyC4 vegetation covers 17.5% of global land surface. C4 natural grass cover decreased from 2001-2019 (due to elevated CO2) and C4 crop cover increased (because of maize expansion).
C4 photosynthesis accounts for ~19% of global photosynthesis (~3% from C4 crops and ~16% from C4 natural grasses).
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45606-3
Planting trees in the name of #reforestation is BAD for #TropicalGrassyBiomes.
Mapping the global distribution of C4 vegetation using observations and optimality theory - Nature Communications
Due to fundamental anatomical and biochemical differences, C3 and C4 plant species tend to differ in their biogeography and response to climate change. Here, the authors use global observations and optimality theory to map patterns and temporal trends in C4 species distribution and the contribution of C4 plants to global photosynthesis.