Scientific publications and reports from IPCC or major environmental research organizations

In 2023, Natural Carbon Sinks Absorbed Almost No CO2, Signaling a Climate Crisis and Accelerating Global Heating

Oct 14, 2024, 11:11 AM

In 2023, the world's forests, plants, and soil collectively absorbed almost no carbon dioxide (CO2), marking a significant collapse of natural carbon sinks. This alarming trend was not anticipated by climate models and poses a serious risk of accelerating global heating. Researchers have noted that the damage inflicted by climate change on these ecosystems has rendered them ineffective as carbon sinks, a situation that is unprecedented in recent history. The findings highlight a growing concern among scientists regarding the implications for climate stability, as the oceans, which have absorbed 90% of the warming caused by emissions, also appear to be reaching their limits in terms of heat absorption. The situation calls for urgent action to address fossil fuel production and mitigate further environmental degradation.