The government's aim is to increase the country's forest area to 2.5 million hectares by 2030.Continue reading
Hungarian ecologists, part of the Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN), contributed to a study revealing that European old-growth forests can sequester significantly more carbon dioxide than previously estimated.
If these forests were allowed to grow back in the wild, they could absorb up to 309 megatons of CO2 annually, potentially offsetting a substantial portion of Europe’s vehicular emissions.
The study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, involved surveying over 288,000 trees across nearly 8,000 sites in 27 countries. It found that Europe’s old-growth forests, especially those with trees older than 100 years, have a much higher carbon sequestration capacity than previously recognized.
The research highlights that if these forests were allowed to mature without human interference, they could play a crucial role in combating climate change by sequestering significant amounts of CO2.
The publication emphasizes the historical and ongoing impact of deforestation in Europe, which has been driven by human activities for centuries. Ancient forests, once abundant, have largely disappeared, with only small remnants left, such as the Białowieża Primeval Forest in Poland. These old-growth forests are vital not only for their biodiversity but also for their ability to sequester carbon. Understanding the unique ecological dynamics of these is essential for developing strategies to mitigate climate change.
The researchers underscored the importance of preserving and allowing forests to mature naturally, rather than cutting them down midway through their lifespan.
Mature forests, with trees over 60 centimeters in diameter, store six times more carbon than younger, thinner stands. The scientists urge European decision-makers to recognize the potential of these forests in combating climate change and to implement policies that protect and restore them.
Via MTI; Featured Image: Pixabay