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Forest carbon protocols underestimate climate-driven carbon loss risks

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Why This Matters

This article highlights that current forest carbon protocols often underestimate the risks posed by climate change, such as increased wildfires and temperature-related productivity declines, which threaten the effectiveness of forests as carbon sinks. Recognizing these risks is crucial for developing more resilient climate mitigation strategies and ensuring that natural solutions deliver their full potential for both the environment and the economy.

Key Takeaways

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Rockström, J. et al. We need biosphere stewardship that protects carbon sinks and builds resilience. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 118, e2115218118 (2021).

Mo, L. et al. Integrated global assessment of the natural forest carbon potential. Nature 624, 92–101 (2023).

Nölte, A., Yousefpour, R., Cifuentes-Jara, M. & Hanewinkel, M. Sharp decline in future productivity of tropical reforestation above 29 °C mean annual temperature. Sci. Adv. 9, eadg9175 (2023).

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Anderegg, W. R. L. et al. Towards more effective nature-based climate solutions in global forests. Nature 643, 1214–1222 (2025).

Badgley, G. Increasingly active wildfire seasons threaten the sustainability of forest-backed carbon offset programs. Glob. Chang. Biol. 30, e17599 (2024).

Pan, Y. et al. The enduring world forest carbon sink. Nature 631, 563–569 (2024).

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