Europe’s soil carbon sink declines (but the trend can be reversed)

According to the EU Environment Agency, from land use, land use change and forestry, Europe saves almost 200 million tonnes of carbon each year. Compared to 330 recorded on average between 1991 and 2013

by Matteo Cavallito

Europe’s forests and soils are absorbing less carbon than expected, jeopardising the achievement of the 2030 emission targets for the sector. With the right initiatives, however, the forestry sector and land management practices could still play a crucial role in climate mitigation, benefiting people and ecosystems. This is stated in the latest report by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Climate targets at risk

Achieving the EU’s climate neutrality goal by mid-century – via interim targets such as 2030 – will require rapid and substantial emission reductions, the authors explain in a statement. In this scenario, however, carbon removal from the atmosphere by properly managed soils and forests also plays a decisive role.

For this reason, the European Union has adopted a special regulation known as LULUCF (Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry) to reduce emissions and promote CO2 sequestration. This initiative involves the management practices of land, plants, plant biomass and timber.

The problem, however, is that the results achieved so far are not satisfying. “Land use, land use change and forestry sector currently acts as a net carbon sink of 198 MtCO2e, offsetting around 6% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions,” the scientists explain. The new EEA report, however, “shows that this capacity has weakened, putting future climate goals at risk”.

Net carbon sink down 30 percent in 10 years

In fact, the average annual figure of 198 million tons recorded over the past decade contrasts with that recorded during 1991-2013 when the LULUCF sector “provided an average carbon sink of 335 MtCO2.” Between 2014 and 2023, in other words, “the average annual LULUCF sink shrunk by 30%.”

This means, the authors add, “that the relative role of LULUCF, in terms of counterbalancing gross GHG emissions from other sectors, has declined.” A trend that “goes against relevant climate change mitigation scenarios’ projections.”

At least four decisive factors

Influencing the decline in net carbon removal by the sector would have been at least four factors, according to the scientists. Specifically, according to the report:

• Forest stands have matured, resulting in higher forest carbon stocks. While they still sequester carbon, they do so at a lower rate.
• Forest harvests have increased due to economic and policy drivers, and salvage logging.
• Climate change has accelerated the decay process of carbon stored in soils and dead organic matter. Natural disturbances, including forest fires, droughts and pests have affected standing trees.
• The annual rate of afforestation has decreased compared to 50 70 years ago, contributing to factor here above.

Cropland and human settlements are the main net sources of greenhouse gas emissions, the study recalls, while grasslands and wetlands show mixed trends depending on different management practices. Human-caused disturbance activities have become more frequent and severe negatively affecting the balance between emissions and carbon sequestration.

Forests and soils still have great potential

However, the scientists write, “the LULUCF sector continues to be a vital tool in the EU’s quest for climate neutrality by 2050. With the right policies and measures, the EU can unlock its full potential.” Among the most effective initiatives are protecting existing carbon stocks (e.g., avoiding peatland drainage), better management of forests, croplands and grazing land, and planting new trees.

Most mitigation options can provide significant benefits for biodiversity, water and soil, the authors explain, provided there are consistent policies and financial incentives.

Finally, it is important to improve data quality. Greenhouse gas information reported on land use and forestry is still partially uncertain although several EU countries, the report points out, are working to ensure greater reliability while also taking advantage of the growing overall technological potential.