The simple formula we've learned about forests helping the environment by eliminating greenhouse gases isn't the entire case. There's a bit more complication. The problem lies unfortunately in the fact that a specific type of forest, pine forests, capture heat and absorb it. This heat is enough to be the anti-equivalent of the world's efforts in lowering carbon dioxide emission levels. The Weizmann Institute has been researching these effects for the past 10 years in the almost barren forest of Yatir at the edge of the Negev Desert in Israel. This is part of a world-wide operation known as FLUXNET. The group is very happy about the fact that these trees are excellent "carbon sinks" meaning that they retain good amounts of CO2 as well. During experimentation it was found that they are not exactly well at reflecting sunlight that they do not need back into space. This just causes the general region to heat up. Scientists are now thinking about taking this case of these two retaining capabilities opposing each other's benefits into consideration for the future.
I strongly believe that there is a great potential to take over these forests heating issues by simply implementing more agriculture and fertilization in the arid area. For example, for say the edges of the deserts can be eliminated by simply growing plants. Of course however the plants must be suited to the climate. So cactus's, brittle bushes, the small Joshua trees, anything that can oppose the effects of the pine tree forests. This can maintain temperatures and flourish the plant life in that area. At the same time the pine tree forests will continue retaining carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. I personally think this is a great combination.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100121141112.htm
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