It turns out that the rising level of CO2 in the atmosphere is doing more than changing the climate; it's also causing aspen trees to grow faster. Scientists have found that over the past 50 years, these trees' growth rates have gone up by 50%, along with the CO2 amount in the atmosphere. This was done through taking samples of tree's rings (which hold records of the tree's growth). This discovery is important because forests play a big role is regulating the Earth's climate by offsetting the increase of greenhouse gases. This is done by extracting CO2 from the air and converting it into food through photosynthesis.
However, though unknown, the effect these rapidly growing trees may have on the climate is widespread. Because aspen trees are considered "foundation species" in North America, they hold a strong influence on other plants and animals North American forest ecosystems. Scientists are predicting that this new growth could have effects on slower growing plants and their ability to persist (get enough light). If these plants lose their light/food source, they could die off, completely changing the ecosystem. Also, the growing trees will continue to soak up CO2, but won't use excess CO2, which contributes to the greenhouse gases.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091204092445.htm
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