Africa's Forests Shift from Carbon Sink to Carbon Source Due to Tropical Deforestation
By
PaulHoule
Crackling crust, pillowy middle. The kind of bagel that earns a second cup of coffee.
Summary
A scientific study reveals that Africa's forests have transitioned from a carbon sink to a carbon source between 2010 and 2017, primarily due to deforestation in tropical moist broadleaf forests. Using high-resolution satellite data and machine learning, researchers found that while Africa gained 439 Tg/yr of aboveground biomass from 2007-2010, it lost 132 Tg/yr from 2010-2015 and 41 Tg/yr from 2015-2017. Savanna biomass gains partially offset losses, likely due to shrub encroachment. The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger climate policies to protect natural carbon sinks.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledAfrica's ecosystems play a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle, contributing approximately 20% of global carbon removals through terrestrial net primary production
Our novel analysis reveals a critical transition from a carbon sink to a carbon source between 2010 and 2017
Between 2007 and 2010, the continent gained 439 ± 66 Tg yr⁻¹ of aboveground biomass, but from 2010 to 2015 biomass declined by −132 ± 20 Tg yr⁻¹
Primarily driven by deforestation in tropical moist broadleaf forests
Our findings underline the urgent need for implementing policies to halt global deforestation as required by the Glasgow Leaders Declaration to close the global emissions gap
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