African Forests Shift From Carbon Sink to CO2 Emitter Amid Deforestation | AI News Digest
Recent research has revealed a troubling development in African forests, especially the Congo rainforest, which are now emitting more carbon dioxide than they are able to absorb. This shift represents a major environmental concern, as these forests were once crucial carbon sinks, responsible for capturing around 20% of the planet's CO2 emissions. Between 2011 and 2017, African forests experienced a staggering loss of approximately 106 million tonnes of biomass annually, equating to around 200 million tonnes of CO2 released each year. The primary cause of this decline has been identified as rampant deforestation, largely fueled by logging and agricultural expansion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Experts caution that the depletion of these vital ecosystems poses significant challenges to global initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero emissions, highlighting the urgent need for accelerated reductions in fossil fuel emissions to combat climate change.
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