What happens to the world if forests stop absorbing carbon? Ask Finland

Since 2018, Finland’s forests and peatlands have been absorbing less carbon than they release into the atmosphere, The Guardian reports. That is jeopardising the country’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2035.

• Unsustainable logging and burning of peatlands are major factors in this decline in carbon absorption.  Researchers warn that the ecological impacts of climate change and mismanaged forestry are critical threats.
• Finland isn’t alone. Many European countries – including France and Sweden – are witnessing similar declines in their land sinks* due to climate-related challenges like drought and forest dieback. This threatens the overall climate targets across the continent and raises alarms among policymakers.
• With the dry conditions affecting food sources in Lapland, there are concerns about the survival of reindeer as winter approaches, highlighting the urgency of addressing these environmental shifts.

  * Land sink is the phrase that scientists use to describe something that absorbs more carbon than it releases.