Carbon sink broken? Last year, trees and land barely absorbed any CO2

Carbon sink broken? Last year, trees and land barely absorbed any CO2

Sub : Env

Sec: Climate change

Context:

• A recent study shows that critical natural processes that help cool the Earth are weakening. In 2023, trees and land absorbed almost no carbon dioxide (CO₂).
• The absorption of CO₂ by trees and zooplankton feeding on algae (which removes millions of tonnes of CO₂ annually) are key cooling processes.

Key Findings of the Study:

• The study, titled Low latency carbon budget analysis reveals a large decline of the land carbon sink in 2023, reported a CO₂ growth rate of 3.37 ± 0.11 PPM at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, an 86% increase from the previous year.
• This growth rate is the highest recorded since measurements began in 1958, indicating a significant weakening of land and ocean CO₂ sinks.

Wildfires and Land Sink Collapse:

• The study noted that global CO₂ emissions rose only 0.6 ± 0.5% in 2023.
• The 2023 northern hemisphere wildfires are believed to have played a role in the land sink’s sharp decline.

Long-term Implications:

• Although current data suggests an unprecedented weakening, researchers advise caution in concluding that this collapse will continue regularly.