Forests and Land Ecosystems Falter Amid Global Climate Crisis in 2023

Forests and other land ecosystems significantly failed to curb climate change in 2023 due to severe droughts and massive wildfires, leading to a record amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This collapse in carbon absorption raises significant concerns for future climate targets and global warming mitigation efforts.

Forests and other land ecosystems significantly failed to curb climate change in 2023 due to severe droughts in the Amazon rainforest and massive wildfires in Canada, as indicated by a recent study. These natural systems usually absorb nearly a third of human-caused carbon emissions, but their capacity to do so collapsed last year.

The study noted a sharp increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide by 86% compared to the previous year, largely due to decreased absorption by plants. The research involved institutions such as Tsinghua University, University of Exeter, and the French LSCE, and was presented at the International Carbon Dioxide Conference in Manaus, Brazil.

Key findings highlighted that record high temperatures dried out vegetation, preventing forests from absorbing carbon and leading to more devastating fires. Scientists warn that such years may become common if current climate trends continue, urging a reevaluation of reliance on natural ecosystems for climate mitigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)