Earth’s ability to soak up carbon dioxide—a critical buffer against climate change—is being undermined by increasing warm extremes, according to a new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution.
Over the past 40 years, researchers have observed that periods of unusually high temperatures, known as warm extremes, have challenged terrestrial ecosystems’ capacity to sequester carbon. These warm extremes, driven by climate change, are causing significant fluctuations in the net ecosystem exchange (NEE), which measures how much carbon plants absorb from or release to the atmosphere.
“As high temperatures become more frequent and intense, the balance of carbon dioxide absorbed by terrestrial ecosystems may be further disrupted,” said Dr. Yuan Xiuliang from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. “This could have profound implications for our efforts to combat climate change.”
The study, conducted by researchers at XIEG in collaboration with domestic and international partners, delved into how the increasing frequency and intensity of warm extremes affect NEE variations. The findings highlight the urgent need for accurate carbon sink accounting to optimize carbon management strategies.
“Achieving precise measurements of ecosystem carbon sinks is essential,” added Dr. Luo Geping, another researcher at XIEG. “It will help form effective pathways for carbon trading and inform policies aimed at mitigating climate change.”
In response to these challenges, China launched a scheme in September 2023 to establish and improve forestry carbon sink measurement and monitoring systems. The initiative aims to develop standardized methodologies for forestry carbon sink accounting, paving the way for more effective carbon trading and climate action.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
