Forests play a crucial role in global efforts to mitigate climate change due to their ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. A recent study published in the journal Nature, coordinated by ETH Zurich and involving GFZ, sheds new light on the potential of forests in CO2 sequestration. This study, combining satellite and ground-based data, indicates that forests could theoretically absorb up to 328 gigatons of carbon. Unfortunately, deforestation and land-use changes reduce this potential to 226 gigatons.

The study reveals that protecting existing forests is crucial for maximizing their carbon sequestration capacity. Up to 61% of the sequestration potential, equivalent to 139 gigatons of carbon, can be achieved through the protection and preservation of current forested areas. Despite this, deforestation worldwide remains a serious issue, hindering the fight against climate change.

Furthermore, the study suggests that the remaining 39% of the sequestration potential, an additional 87 gigatons of carbon, can be attained by reconnecting previously isolated forest landscapes and their rational utilization. Implementing sustainable forest management and ensuring the continuity of forested areas can significantly increase the global potential for carbon storage.

Although forests play a significant role in climate change mitigation, they face numerous challenges. Deforestation, transforming forests into agricultural land and human settlements, poses a substantial threat. Additionally, the continuous release of greenhouse gases exacerbates global warming, increasing pressure on forest ecosystems.

The study's findings are based on a more comprehensive set of data than previous research, thanks to methodological improvements. Scientists utilized a combination of satellite and ground-based data on forest condition, biomass, and information on carbon storage in forest soils, deadwood, and litter. Such an integrated approach enables a more accurate assessment of the potential of forests to store CO2.

GFZ played a key role in this research by providing satellite-based biomass and soil data. The institute's extensive monitoring infrastructure is a valuable tool in the global analysis of carbon resources and sustainable development. Martin Herold, Director of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics at GFZ, emphasizes the importance of systematically combining CO2 emission measurements with satellite and ground-based data. This integration opens new possibilities in understanding global carbon resources and their potential.

"This new work builds on significantly improved data and allows a more quantitative assessment of the potential than previous work," says Martin Herold. He highlights the importance of assessing carbon resources and their management from the perspectives of climate and sustainable development. The results of this study contribute valuable insights for decision-makers and stakeholders at the upcoming global climate conference COP28 in the United Arab Emirates.