Last year's extreme heat, droughts and wildfires weakened forests' ability to absorb carbon dioxide, raising climate change concerns, a new study reveals. In short:Earth’s land lost significant carbon absorption capacity in 2023 due to high temperatures and severe wildfires. Preliminary research indicates a troubling trend that could complicate climate change mitigation efforts. Northern forests may struggle to recover their carbon-absorbing abilities compared to tropical rainforests. Their diminished capacity to absorb carbon could accelerate global warming, making climate change harder to combat.

Source: Washington Post July 29, 2024 08:50 UTC