Tree Huggers

Published in Nature, the study underscores the importance of global forests in absorbing carbon dioxide and calls for immediate action to protect these ecosystems.

Key findings of the study

Researchers examined long-term ground measurements combined with remote sensing data and found significant regional variations in the capacity of forests to act as carbon sinks:

Boreal Forests:

• Significant decline in carbon sink capacity by 36 percent.

• Factors: increased disturbances from wildfires, insect outbreaks, and soil warming.

Tropical Forests:

• 31 percent decrease in carbon absorption capacity due to deforestation.

• Regrowth in previously abandoned agricultural lands and logged areas partially offsets these losses.

Temperate Forests:

• 30 percent increase in carbon sink capacity.

• Reasons: extensive reforestation efforts, particularly in China.