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European forests in decline: They lose a third of their CO₂ absorption capacity

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Europe's forests, vital in the fight against climate change, are rapidly losing their ability to absorb CO₂. According to a recent study, in the last decade, their carbon sequestration potential has decreased by nearly 30%.

This trend threatens the European Union's efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, as forests play a crucial role in the CO₂ absorption strategy.

The intensification of tree logging, driven by increasing demand for wood, along with the rise in natural disturbances such as fires, pests, and storms, are some of the main causes of this decline. These factors reduce forest biomass and, consequently, the forests' ability to capture carbon. Additionally, climate change exacerbates the problem, with heatwaves and droughts reducing photosynthesis and tree productivity.

The aging of forests also contributes to the decline in carbon absorption capacity, as older trees grow more slowly and capture less CO₂. Reforestation faces new challenges, such as water scarcity, which limits the viability of planting new trees.

To reverse this trend, experts advocate for more resilient and sustainable forest management. This includes improving forest monitoring at a European scale and adopting management practices that promote species and structural diversity within forests. A mixed management model, combining timber production with conservation, could help restore CO₂ absorption capacity and protect biodiversity.

European forests, covering nearly 40% of the EU's territory and having absorbed around 10% of human emissions since 1990, are essential allies in climate change mitigation. However, the combination of economic pressures, environmental impacts, and inadequate planning is weakening these ecosystems. Without urgent and ambitious action, the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 could become unattainable.