Natural carbon sinks are showing worrying signs of weakening. Researchers reveal that the Earth could rapidly lose its ability to absorb carbon.
In 2023, the situation worsened: forests, oceans, and soils are absorbing less carbon dioxide than before. This natural process, essential for limiting global warming, could collapse.
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Indeed, according to the results of a recent study, the year 2023 saw vegetation absorb only 730 million metric tons (805 million US tons) of carbon, whereas it usually absorbs 2 billion metric tons (2.2 billion US tons) annually. At the same time, CO2 emissions increased by 86% this year compared to 2022, reaching 37.4 billion metric tons (41.2 billion US tons).
In fact, all natural CO2 absorption systems seem to be struggling. Oceans, for example, are under unprecedented pressure. The melting of glaciers is disrupting the flow of the Gulf Stream, thus limiting their capacity to store carbon. This phenomenon also impacts zooplankton, disrupting a vital cycle for CO2 absorption.
On land, vegetation plays a key role, but it too is facing difficulties. In 2023, researchers observed a dramatic drop in the amount of carbon absorbed by forests and soils, partly due to heatwaves and wildfires.
Alarming data shows a decrease in carbon absorption in boreal forests. The situation in tropical regions is equally concerning, with deforestation weakening these critical ecosystems.
Climatologists estimate that the Earth may no longer fulfill its role as a "natural filter" for carbon. Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute, warns that terrestrial systems are on the edge of collapse, and the oceans are no better off.
Carbon sinks, though crucial, are often underestimated in climate models. This could lead to overly optimistic predictions about the pace of global warming. The year 2023 may be just a prelude to what lies ahead.
If this trend continues, the warming could accelerate much faster than anticipated. Researchers call for an urgent revision of climate models to incorporate these new factors and anticipate an environmental catastrophe.
What is a carbon sink and why are they essential in the fight against global warming?
Carbon sinks refer to natural reservoirs, such as forests, oceans, and soils, that absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. They play a key role in climate regulation by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the air.
The mechanism of carbon sinks relies on natural processes like plant photosynthesis, which captures CO2, or the dissolution of carbon into the oceans. These systems absorb part of the carbon emissions generated by human activity, thus slowing global warming.
Author of the article: Cédric DEPOND