Europe's forests face rising pressure from timber demand and climate change, reducing carbon storage capacity

European forests are losing their ability to act as carbon sinks due to increased timber harvesting for energy and climate-driven disturbances like heat, drought, pests, storms, and fires. A study in Nature found the average annual carbon uptake by EU forests dropped about 27% between 2020 and 2022 compared to 2010-2014. Another study in Science warns forest damage in Europe could rise 20% by 2100 even under ambitious climate targets. Scientists say if forests absorb less carbon, other sectors like transport and agriculture will need to cut emissions faster. The article highlights that while forests cover roughly 40% of EU land, their role as a long-term carbon store is weakening. This has direct implications for carbon accounting, offset quality, and national climate targets across Europe.