Europe's forests are projected to experience a 20 percent increase in damage by 2100, even if global climate targets are met. A new international study highlights that wildfires, storms, and bark beetle outbreaks, all exacerbated by climate change, are jeopardizing these crucial carbon sinks.
Researchers found that even under a 2℃ warming scenario, annually disturbed forest areas could rise to approximately 216,000 hectares per year by the end of the century. This is an increase from the "unprecedented levels of disturbance" observed between 1986 and 2020.
Southern and Western Europe are expected to face the most severe changes. While Northern Europe may be less impacted overall, localized hotspots of future forest damage are still anticipated.
Forests are vital carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 and supporting biodiversity. However, scientists warn that their capacity to absorb carbon may decrease in the future, increasing pressure on other sectors to accelerate emissions reductions and necessitating a stronger focus on building resilient forests.