Why are European forests dying?

European forests are dying primarily due to prolonged droughts and heatwaves, which weaken trees and make them susceptible to bark beetle infestations.

How much forest has Germany lost to bark beetles?

Since 2018, Germany has lost over half a million hectares (more than 1.2 million acres) of forest due to bark beetle outbreaks and drought.

What is the new approach to saving European forests?

The new approach involves planting biodiverse mixtures of tree species rather than monocultures to increase resilience against climate change impacts like drought and pests.

Home / Environment / Europe's Forests Dying: A Climate Crisis Unfolding

Europe's Forests Dying: A Climate Crisis Unfolding

8 Jan

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Summary

Successive droughts and heatwaves enable bark beetle outbreaks.
Germany lost over 1.2 million acres of forest since 2018.
Biodiverse planting is now seen as key to forest resilience.

Europe's Forests Dying: A Climate Crisis Unfolding

Across Europe, forests are facing unprecedented diebacks due to prolonged droughts and heatwaves, exacerbated by bark beetle outbreaks. In Germany's Harz mountains, thousands of dead spruce trees now dominate the landscape, a dramatic change from its once verdant beauty. Since 2018, Germany has lost over 1.2 million acres of forest, with other European nations like the Czech Republic and Finland also experiencing significant tree loss.

The weakening forest carbon sink has led to a one-third decline in carbon absorption by land in the EU since 2010, impacting climate targets. Experts warn that relying on nature's carbon absorption without aggressive fossil fuel phase-out is dangerous. This situation has spurred a reevaluation of modern forestry, moving away from vulnerable monoculture plantations.

Foresters are now experimenting with biodiverse planting, introducing species like beech, firs, and sycamore alongside surviving spruce. International research indicates that tree diversity is crucial for protecting forests against drought and disease, offering a more resilient approach to recovery and sustainable harvesting for the future.