Archive · 30 Jul 2025
EU Climate Goals at Risk: Forest CO2 Absorption Declines
European forests are getting worse at absorbing carbon dioxide, which is like a sponge for pollution.
Scientists found forests are soaking up less CO2 than before.
This could make it harder for Europe to meet its goals to fight climate change, as they need forests to help clean up pollution from factories.
The damage to the trees comes from things like cutting them down, wildfires, dry spells, and bugs.
Some experts worry that relying on forests to meet these goals might not work.
European forests' CO2 absorption is declining, threatening EU climate goals.
The average annual CO2 absorption by European forests decreased by nearly a third between 2010-2014 and 2020-2022.
Damage from logging, wildfires, drought, and pests is impacting forests.
EU's 2050 net zero emissions target relies on forests offsetting industrial pollution.
Experts express concern about depending on forests to meet climate targets.
- Who
- Scientists from the EU's Joint Research Centre.
- What
- Decline in CO2 absorption by European forests.
- When
- The decrease was measured between 2010-2014 and 2020-2022.
- Where
- Europe
- Why
- To understand the impact on climate goals.
Emphasis on Action and Management
Skepticism of Forest Reliance
Forest Management vs. Carbon Budgets
Emphasis on Action and Management
Focus on active management like reducing logging.
Skepticism of Forest Reliance
Relying on forests to offset carbon is not viable
- CO2 Absorption Decline
- Nearly a third lower in 2020-2022 compared to 2010-2014
- Net Zero Target Year
- 2050
- Forests' Offset Percentage
- Around 6% of EU's annual greenhouse gas emissions
- Gap to Meet Goals
- 2% short of what the EU calculates is needed