EU forests' carbon sequestration falls short, jeopardizing EU's climate goals

European forests, covering nearly 40% of the European Union's territory, have long been a vital carbon sink, second only to the oceans in the planet's carbon storage. However, a recent study warns that the capacity of these forests to sequester carbon is declining, posing a significant threat to the climate objectives of the European Union.

The research reveals that the forest carbon stock in Europe decreased from 457 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent absorbed each year between 2010 and 2014 to 332 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent absorbed each year between 2020-2022. This decline is attributed to various factors, including extreme heat and drought episodes, the aging of forests, and fewer reforestation efforts.

The intensification of wood harvesting and the increase in natural disturbances such as fires, storms, and pests are identified as factors behind the decline. The study advocates for a profound transformation in the way European forests are managed, focusing on sustainable and climate-smart management that sees forests as spaces providing multiple services beyond wood production.

The study suggests science-based management models that combine forests of different ages and degrees of protection. These models propose alternating zones dedicated to sustainable production with others reserved for strict conservation. Diversification in forest management helps protect biodiversity and maintain the carbon stored in different compartments of the forest, such as living wood, dead wood, and soil.

The authors of the study call for a "change of mindset" in forest management, so that it does not just focus on wood extraction, but also emphasizes the need to protect and preserve forests and make them more resilient to global warming and climate change. They highlight the importance of improving certification methods for carbon removal, focusing on better quantification and accounting of carbon storage by forests.

The researchers also emphasize the need for sustainable biomass management, avoiding carbon losses during biomass processing, and storing biomass carbon in durable products or soils while minimizing emissions from energy use in processing. Forest monitoring must be improved at the European level with robust, continuous, and harmonized data on the state of forests, their health, and the different carbon compartments, including forest soil.

To achieve carbon neutrality, it is essential to ensure the preservation and regeneration of forests. Since the 1950s, Europe's forest biomass has tripled, and as a result, the capacity for carbon sequestration has increased significantly. However, this gain in carbon sequestration capacity could be lost in the current climate situation if urgent action is not taken to reverse current trends.

The study underscores the importance of forests, trees, and forest soils as a vital tool in the fight against climate change. By adopting sustainable forest management practices, Europe can not only protect its forests but also contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.