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Europe's Forests Face Major Climate Threat
6 Mar
Summary
- European forests may face over 200,000 hectares disturbed annually by 2100.
- Disturbed forest area could rise 20% even with climate measures.
- Southern and Western Europe face the strongest forest disturbance changes.
By 2100, over 200,000 hectares of European forests could be disturbed each year, a projected 20% increase from recent decades, even if global warming is limited to 2°C. This rise in disturbance is driven by climate change-exacerbated wildfires, storms, and bark beetle outbreaks, threatening these vital carbon sinks.
Southern and Western Europe are expected to experience the most pronounced changes in forest disturbance. In contrast, while Northern Europe may be less affected overall, localized hotspots of severe damage are still likely to emerge. The EU's initiative to plant three billion trees by 2030 is significantly behind schedule, with less than 38 million trees planted so far, indicating a critical need for accelerated efforts.
Forests play a crucial role in absorbing CO2 and supporting biodiversity. However, as they face increased threats, their capacity to absorb carbon may diminish, placing greater pressure on other sectors to reduce emissions. This situation necessitates a stronger focus on developing resilient forest management strategies across the continent.
