How Forests May Reduce the Incidence of Destructive Tropical Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons

Tropical cyclones cause thousands of deaths and immense damage annually. While ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions dominate cyclone formation and behaviour, forests' potential influence has received little systematic attention.In this review I explore and evaluate how forests may affect tropical cyclone incidence, behaviour, and impacts. Evidence strength varies by mechanism and cyclone stage. Post-landfall effects show strongest support: forests demonstrably slow storm decay through surface roughness, reducing wind damage by 20–40% compared to cleared land, while forest soils buffer flooding through enhanced infiltration. Forests also influence storm tracks, though magnitudes remain uncertain.Evidence for pre-landfall effects is more limited but plausible. Forests release massive moisture through evapotranspiration, substantially modifying offshore humidity. Temperature and aerosol effects offer additional pathways. The Biotic Pump theory proposes that large forest areas generate pressure gradients drawing moisture inland, potentially limiting moisture available for ocean storms.Forest influences on cyclone formation and growth should be most evident near the thresholds where small changes matter. This context-dependency reconciles divergent findings and provides a framework for integrating forests into climate risk assessment.Forest conservation offers clear benefits for coastal disaster mitigation through post-landfall protection. Potential effects on cyclone genesis, while uncertain, strengthen the case for forest protection and identify critical research priorities.