European Forests Are Turning Into CO2 Emittors

The absorption of carbon and other greenhouse gases is one of the most essential functions of a forest. But in the last 20 years, three large areas of European forest have failed in this role: they have emitted more gases than they have absorbed.

Portugal's Central Region: A Hotspot of Carbon Emission

The central region of Portugal is one of the areas with a negative balance, accompanied by the forests of Les Landes in France and the Harz forest in Germany. In an investigation supported by Journalismfund.eu, three European journalists delve into the carbon trail to answer the question: What makes a forest a greenhouse gas emitter?

The Eucalyptus Controversy

In Portugal, eucalyptus, a key raw material for the pulp and paper industry, has long been at the center of intense debate. The intensive monoculture of eucalyptus is blamed for increasing vulnerability to fires. While the country's forests have been a carbon sink in most years, devastating wildfires like those in 2003, 2005, 2013, 2016, and 2017 have created a negative balance, particularly visible in the central region.

The Monoculture of Les Landes

In France, the Les Landes forest, the largest artificial forest in Western Europe, is dominated by pine monocultures. The intensive exploitation of this forest has been heavily criticized. The lack of biodiversity makes the forest vulnerable to fires, as witnessed in 2022, when 30,000 hectares were burned, releasing around a million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.

The Ghost Forest of Harz

In Germany, the Harz forest is facing a crisis due to drought and beetle infestations. The forest is dominated by spruce trees, which are not native to the region and are highly susceptible to the effects of climate change. The death of these trees has left the forest a 'ghost forest' of dead trees, raising concerns about the future of the Harz.

Beyond the Eucalyptus: A Call for Sustainable Forest Management

The investigation highlights the need for sustainable forest management practices. Monocultures, while profitable in the short term, are contributing to the decline of forests and their ability to absorb carbon. The solution lies in diversifying forests, promoting natural regeneration, and prioritizing the long-term health of these vital ecosystems.