France Warns Droughts Are Hurting Forests’ Ability to Absorb CO2
- Dwindling carbon sinks challenge nation’s climate goals
- French environment ministry calls situation “worrying”
The forest floor in Montmorency, France photographed in 2020.
Photographer: Cyril Marcilhacy/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
France warned that the ability of its lands and forests to absorb carbon dioxide is dwindling because of repeated droughts, tree illnesses and rising wood use.
The country, which suffered its worst drought on record last summer, saw less than half the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by forests and agricultural lands in 2022 than it did in 2015, according to non-profit organization Citepa. The French environment ministry called the situation “worrying” and said it warrants closer attention in helping the country reach its zero-emissions target by 2050.