Environmental Studies and Forestry

Temperature extremes of 2022 reduced carbon uptake by forests in Europe

A. M. V. D. Woude, W. Peters, et al.

In 2022, Europe faced unprecedented heatwaves and a severe drought, reminiscent of the notable drought in 2018. This research reveals a significant decline in carbon uptake during these extreme conditions, with a staggering 30% of Europe affected. Despite a warmer autumn providing some recovery, the findings underscore the urgent need to reevaluate Europe’s strategies in achieving net-zero emissions. This vital research was conducted by an accomplished team of authors.

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Abstract

The year 2022 saw record-breaking temperatures in Europe during both summer and fall. Similar to the 2018 drought, close to 30% of Europe experienced severe summer drought, impacting central and southeastern Europe. Observations show a reduction in net biospheric carbon uptake during summer (56-62 TgC) over the drought area, with some sites even showing carbon release. A warm autumn partially compensated (32%) for this reduced uptake. The frequency of such events highlights the need to consider drought-induced reduced carbon uptake in Europe's net-zero emissions plans.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Oct 06, 2023

Authors

Auke M. van der Woude, Wouter Peters, Emilie Joetzjer, Sébastien Lafont, Gerbrand Koren, Philippe Ciais, Michel Ramonet, Yidi Xu, Ana Bastos, Santiago Botía, Stephen Sitch, Remco de Kok, Tobias Kneuer, Dagmar Kubistin, Adrien Jacotot, Benjamin Loubet, Pedro-Henrique Herig-Coimbra, Denis Loustau, Ingrid T. Luijkx

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