Science Highlight

First signs of carbon sink saturation in European forest biomass

Gert-Jan Nabuurs, Marcus Lindner, Pieter J. Verkerk, Katja Gunia, Paola Deda, Roman Michalak
and Giacomo Grassi

Nature Climate Change, published online: 18 August 2013
DOI: 10.1038/NCLIMATE1853

Paper Abstract

European forests are seen as a clear example of vegetation rebound in the Northern Hemisphere; recovering in area and growing stock since the 1950s, after centuries of stock decline and deforestation.

These regrowing forests have shown to be a persistent carbon sink, projected to continue for decades, however, there are early signs of saturation.

Forest policies and management strategies need revision if we want to sustain the sink.

Manuscript

• Download paper: http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nclimate1853.html
• Contact lead author: Gert-Jan Nabuurs