Controversial theory suggests that the world's forests are rainmakers

It seems obvious to anyone that forests only grow where there is enough rainfall. But wait, maybe there is only rainfall because forests exist. That's what the 'biotic pump' theory by two Russian scientists suggests. 

The reasoning goes as follows:

1. The by far greatest source of moisture is oceanic evaporation 
2. Air always moves from high to low pressure zones
3. Evapotranspiration and condensation in an intact coastal forest with a high volume of foliage creates low air pressure inland
4. Moist air from the ocean moves inland causing rainfall
5. The cycle repeats itself as long coastal forests remain intact
6. Intact tracts of forest can move moisture thousands of kilometers creating rain far away from the ocean like in the Amazon Rainforest

The consequences of coastal deforestation:

1. Constant high pressure zone over logged coastal land
2. Moist air from the ocean can not move inland
3. Moisture can not be forwarded further inland 
4. Desertification follows

Possible real world implications:

• The Sahara desert could be effectively regreened by planting coastal forests 
• Logging in the Amazon has to stop, especially coastal forests have to remain intact, otherwise the entire Amazon basin may turn into a desert
• There are indications that the Australian outback was a lot greener not long ago before massive deforestation of coastal forests occurred 

For further information I recommend this interview with the two scientists on Mongabay.

If this theory holds true our destiny might hinge on these narrow strips of coastal forests. Maybe California should replant the coast in the wake of ever increasing catastrophic droughts.  

Coastal Forest near Rio de Janeiro