Overview

• A Nature study led by Mirco Migliavacca shows annual CO₂ uptake fell from 457 million tonnes in 2010–2014 to 332 million tonnes in 2020–2022
• The drop undermines the EU’s 2030 LULUCF sink target of 310 million tonnes and puts its 2050 climate neutrality strategy at risk
• Researchers identify intensified harvesting, more frequent wildfires, pest outbreaks, drought stress, aging stands and reduced reforestation as key drivers of the decline
• Experts call for enhanced pan-European monitoring with continuous, harmonized data on forest biomass and soil carbon pools
• Scientists urge a holistic shift to resilience-focused management—prioritizing biodiversity, selective harvesting and site-appropriate reforestation—alongside accelerated emissions cuts