India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest contributor to forest carbon removals, absorbing an average of 150 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide per year between 2021 and 2025, according to the latest Forest Resources Assessment by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Forests across the globe continue to play a vital role in mitigating climate change, collectively removing about 3.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually during the same period. Despite ongoing deforestation averaging 10.9 million hectares per year global forest loss has slowed compared to the 1990–2000 period when it stood at 17.6 million hectares annually.
Russia, China, and the United States lead the world in carbon sequestration from forests, with mean annual removals of 1,150 Mt CO₂, 840 Mt CO₂, and 410 Mt CO₂ respectively. Brazil, despite its large forest cover, also figures prominently due to significant emissions from net forest conversion, estimated at 1,420 Mt CO₂ per year.
India’s consistent increase in forest and tree cover, coupled with afforestation drives and community-led green initiatives, has contributed to its strong performance. Alongside India, Belarus also recorded a mean annual sink of 150 Mt CO₂.
The FAO report highlights that the top ten countries collectively account for nearly 90% of global forest carbon removals. However, it warns that ongoing deforestation, particularly in tropical regions, continues to offset much of the gains from carbon sequestration.
Top 10 countries with the largest forest carbon removals (2021–2025):
1. Russia – 1,150 Mt CO₂/year
2. China – 840 Mt CO₂/year
3. United States – 410 Mt CO₂/year
4. Brazil – 340 Mt CO₂/year
5. India – 150 Mt CO₂/year
6. Belarus – 150 Mt CO₂/year
7. South Africa – 75 to 35 Mt CO₂/year
8. Ghana – 75 to 35 Mt CO₂/year
9. Republic of Korea – 75 to 35 Mt CO₂/year
10. Honduras – 75 to 35 Mt CO₂/year
The report underlines that while global forest areas still cover around 4.14 billion hectares roughly one-third of Earth’s land surface urgent policy action is needed to protect existing forests, restore degraded lands, and strengthen carbon storage to meet international climate targets.