New research reveals that over a third of the Arctic-Boreal Zone (ABZ), encompassing tundra, forests, and wetlands, is now emitting more carbon than it absorbs. While the ABZ remains a net carbon sink, increasing wildfires are offsetting carbon uptake, particularly in tundra regions. The study highlights the need for detailed monitoring to understand the evolving dynamics of carbon storage in the Arctic.
More than a third of the Arctic-Boreal Zone – including the tundra, forests, and wetlands around the Arctic Circle – is pushing out carbon rather than sucking it up, according to new research from an international team, led by scientists at the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Massachusetts.While the ABZ as a whole is still considered a carbon sink – as it has been for millennia –are putting some key regions at risk, and detailed monitoring is needed to understand how those places are faring.
That fire element is crucial: the researchers found that wildfires are becoming more frequent and impactful in the ABZ. The stats show that when wildfires are considered, 40 percent of the ABZ, compared to just 34 percent when wildfires weren't included.
CARBON CYCLE ARCTIC WILDFIRE ECOSYSTEMS CLIMATE CHANGE
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