Trees no longer absorb carbon dioxide, so let's prepare for disaster

The planet's oceans, forests, soils and other natural carbon sinks absorb about half of all human emissions. We know very well how important microscopic marine organisms and trees are to everyone's survival Ecosystems And we went. But as the Earth's temperature rises, because… Climate changesScientists could have discovered that these crucial processes were malfunctioning. What will happen and what will the consequences be?

In 2023, trees and soil are unable to absorb carbon dioxide

In particular, one study showed that in 2023, the warmest year on record, the world will see temperatures rise amount of carbon The ground absorbed it and it collapsed temporarily. The end result was that the forests, plants and soil absorbed almost no carbon dioxide.

“We are seeing cracks in the resilience of Earth's systems. Ecosystems are losing their ability to store and absorb carbon, but the oceans are also showing signs of this.” InstabilityJohan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, said at an event held in New York. “there nature So far he has succeeded in counterbalancing our abuses. “This is all coming to an end,” he said.

In fact, the situation that occurred in 2023 may be temporary. Without destruction Droughts Or fires, the soil will start absorbing carbon again. In any case, what happened last year demonstrates the fragility of these ecosystems, and the enormous consequences this has on the climate crisis.

In the absence of technology capable of absorbing carbon dioxide on a large and widespread scale ForestsGrasslands, peatlands and oceans represent the only option to reduce human-caused carbon pollution, which has reached a record level of 37.4 billion tons in 2023.

At least 118 countries depend on the region for access Climate goals patriotic. But rising temperatures and increased extreme weather and drought are causing ecosystems to stop working properly

Scientists did not expect this: the alarm went off

Current climate models do not take this into account Forestry process To absorb carbon dioxide, so scientists did not expect this situation. If immediate action is not taken, the end of the earth will be near.

So modest Weaken Nature's ability to absorb carbon means the world will have to make much deeper cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to reach this capacity. Net zero. Poor soil drainage also has the effect of undoing countries' progress in decarbonisation and progress towards climate goals, which is extremely difficult for many countries.

“The issue of natural wells has never been adequately addressed The political field And the government. It is assumed that natural wells will always be with us. The truth is, we don't really understand them. What could happen if they stop working due to… climate “Is it changing?” is the warning of Watson, head of the Marine and Atmospheric Science Group at the University of Exeter.

Many researchers believe that to be true challenge It is to protect the carbon sinks and stores we already have by stopping DeforestationReducing emissions and making sure they are as healthy as possible.

“We cannot simply take for granted that we have forests and that we own them Forests “They will remove some of the carbon dioxide, because it won't work in the long term,” said Professor Pierre Friedlingstein from the University of Exeter.