Forests in Austria Emit Record CO2 Levels

Austria’s forests, long considered vital carbon sinks and a crucial natural defence against climate change, have begun releasing more carbon dioxide than they absorb, according to a newly released national climate assessment.

The Second Austrian Climate Change Assessment Report, which has been under development by leading scientists and environmental experts since 2022, reveals a troubling reversal in the environmental role of Austrian forests.

Once a powerful buffer against carbon emissions, the forests are now contributing to greenhouse gas levels due to rising temperatures, prolonged drought, and widespread pest infestations.

In 2023, Austrian forests emitted about 5.4 million tonnes more carbon dioxide than they absorbed. This marks a stark contrast to the year 2000, when forests in Austria captured around 18.6 million tonnes of CO2, significantly reducing national emissions and helping to stabilise the climate.

Experts from Austria’s Environment Agency attribute this shift to the increasing impact of the climate crisis. Climate scientist Peter Weiss noted that higher temperatures are accelerating the decomposition of organic material in forest soil, increasing CO2 emissions. Additionally, heat-induced drought conditions are stunting forest growth, weakening trees’ capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.

This ecological shift has far-reaching implications. Weiss emphasised that Austria is not alone in facing this challenge.

He warned that the trend has been evident in Austria since at least 2018, with both 2018 and 2019 recording more CO2 emissions from forests than they absorbed. 

However, 2023 set a new and alarming record for the highest forest-related carbon emissions in Austrian history.