German Forests Turn from Carbon Sinks to Sources

The latest forest inventory reveals significant carbon emissions due to climate stress, threatening Germany's climate goals.

The fourth Bundeswaldinventur shows a loss of 41.5 million tons of carbon storage in German forests since 2017.
Heatwaves, droughts, and pest infestations have severely impacted tree growth and survival, particularly affecting spruce trees.
The shift from carbon storage to emission in forests poses a challenge to Germany's commitment to reduce greenhouse gases by 65% by 2030.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the forest composition is shifting towards more diverse and climate-resilient species, with an increase in deciduous trees.
Experts emphasize the need for adaptive forest management and reforestation with species better suited to changing climate conditions.