Europe forests once reliable allies in the fight against climate change, are now showing signs of distress. A new study published in the journal Nature reveals that climate change-induced heatwaves and droughts, combined with human activities like excessive logging and reduced afforestation, are significantly reducing the ability of forests to absorb carbon dioxide.
Forests currently cover around 40% of Europe’s landmass and have historically absorbed about 10% of the continent’s carbon emissions. But recent data from the Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) inventory shows that the carbon sink capacity of forests declined by 27% between 2010–2014 and 2020–2022. Researchers note an even steeper drop in 2025.
Extreme weather events are disrupting tree growth and photosynthesis while triggering large-scale disturbances such as wildfires, pest outbreaks, and storms. These events not only destroy forest cover but also impair the long-term health of ecosystems, making recovery difficult.
The report warns that Europe’s forest management practices which often focus on single-species plantations for timber production are adding to the crisis. Nearly a third of all forests consist of just one tree species, which weakens their resilience to changing climate conditions.
This decline in carbon absorption could seriously impact the EU’s climate goals. The European Climate Law aims to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2050. However, the forest sector is currently falling short of its contribution toward these targets.
Experts suggest that better forest management is urgently needed. Measures such as promoting mixed-species forests, improving biodiversity, and protecting forest soils could help restore Europe’s forests as effective carbon sinks. Scientists warn that without immediate action, the role of forests in climate mitigation could be permanently diminished.