A recent study has raised alarms over the Earth’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), suggesting that nature’s vital carbon removal systems may be failing. Researchers have found that record-breaking carbon emissions in 2023 coincided with extreme heat, which negatively impacted the capacity of land-based ecosystems to absorb carbon.
Historically, land and ocean systems have absorbed nearly half of human-induced CO2 emissions. However, the study, which is awaiting peer review, revealed that in 2023, these natural processes slowed dramatically. Despite a modest 0.6% increase in emissions, atmospheric CO2 levels surged by 86% compared to the previous year, according to data from the Mauna Loa station.
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research Director Johan Rockström warned that “Nature has so far balanced our abuse. This is coming to an end.” Researchers also found that droughts and wildfires, particularly in the Amazon rainforest and Canada, contributed significantly to this decline in carbon absorption.
While climate models haven’t fully accounted for the collapse of carbon sinks, the researchers hope that La Niña’s return could bring some relief by restoring precipitation to affected areas. However, they stress that immediate action to reduce fossil fuel emissions is crucial to addressing this escalating crisis.
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