Hungarian ecologists who are part of the Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN) have participated in a study that shows that European primary forests can bind significantly more carbon dioxide than previously thought.
If these forests could be allowed to grow in the wild again, they could absorb up to 309 megatons of CO2 annually, potentially offsetting a significant portion of Europe’s car emissions.
The study, published in Communication Earth & EnvironmentThe study examined over 288,000 trees at almost 8,000 locations in 27 countries and found that Europe’s ancient forests, particularly those with trees older than 100 years, have a much higher capacity for carbon sequestration than previously thought.
The research highlights that if these forests were allowed to grow without human intervention, they could play a crucial role in combating climate change by sequestering significant amounts of CO2.
The publication highlights the historic and ongoing impacts of deforestation in Europe, driven by human activities for centuries. Ancient forests, once lush, have largely disappeared, with only small remnants remaining, such as the Białowieża primeval forest in Poland. These primeval forests are crucial not only for their biodiversity but also for their ability to sequester carbon. Understanding the unique ecological dynamics of these forests is essential for developing strategies to mitigate climate change.
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A virgin forest is a natural, mature forest that has developed over centuries without significant disturbance. It is characterized by diverse ecosystems, large, old trees, rich biodiversity and complex ecological processes.
The researchers stressed the importance of preserving forests and allowing them to grow naturally rather than cutting them down in the middle of their lifespan.
Mature forests with trees over 60 centimeters in diameter store six times more carbon than younger, thinner stands. The scientists are calling on European decision-makers to recognize the potential of these forests in the fight against climate change and to take measures to protect and restore them.
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