Emissions from forests directly influence the very first stage of cloud formation, which could potentially impact the rate and nature of precipitation. This finding challenges the traditional assumption that only aerosol particles affect cloud formation and precipitation, potentially reshaping understanding of cloud and climate interactions.

Forest emissions largely consist of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can influence cloud formation by increasing the concentration of seed particles for cloud droplets to form around, in turn altering the cloud structure. The cloud structure then affects the rate and nature of precipitation.

These interactions between forest emissions and cloud formation are yet to be quantified, but this study shows they can't be ignored.