A new study has revealed that the Earth’s major carbon sinks, such as forests and soils, are nearing their limits and may soon be unable to compensate for rising greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that the world’s terrestrial carbon absorption capacity has sharply diminished, with a marked decrease in gross primary productivity (GPP) across more than two-thirds of the Earth’s land surfaces. This decline is driven by a slowdown in the CO2 fertilization effect, where higher CO2 concentrations stimulate plant growth. The study suggests that natural ecosystems are approaching a saturation point, and once reached, they will no longer be able to compensate for emissions, potentially triggering an acceleration in global warming. The findings have significant implications for climate change mitigation strategies, highlighting the need for swift and comprehensive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopting low-carbon technologies and sustainable land management practices. The study underscores the importance of protecting and restoring ecosystems, but also emphasizes the need for a multi-pronged approach to address the climate crisis.
The planet’s carbon-capturing systems are reaching a breaking point
