Trees such as those in the warm climate of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil live fast and die young, but the principle is true across all latitudes, according to research. Photo: Nacho Doce/Reuters

LIVE FAST, die young is a truism often applied to rock stars but could just as easily describe trees, according to new research. Trees that grow rapidly have a shorter lifespan, which could spell bad news for tackling the climate crisis.