Nature’s carbon sinks appear to be falling

In 2023, Earth’s natural carbon sinks, including forests and soils, absorbed almost no CO2, raising concerns about their stability amid escalating climate change. Oceans, which have absorbed 90% of fossil fuel-related warming, also show signs of reduced carbon sequestration. Melting Arctic ice and disrupted ocean currents hinder zooplankton activity, limiting carbon storage on the seabed. The collapse of land carbon sinks, driven by wildfires and droughts, could accelerate global warming beyond current climate model predictions. Experts stress that achieving net zero is impossible without safeguarding these critical ecosystems, while highlighting the urgent need to cut fossil fuel emissions across all sectors. (The Guardian)