Scientists warn of weakening carbon sinks, call for decisive action at COP30

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🗞️ Driving the news: A new scientific report warns that the world’s carbon sinks — forests, soils, and oceans—are becoming less effective at absorbing carbon, jeopardizing global climate targets
• The report, 10 New Insights in Climate Science, highlights that rising temperatures are weakening these natural defenses against climate change, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere and marine environments
• Released ahead of COP30 in Brazil, the report stresses the need for decisive action to protect and restore nature, alongside advancing carbon removal technologies

🔭 The context: The findings come from over 70 scientists and underline that the capacity of carbon sinks is deteriorating more quickly than previously expected, with forests, soils, and oceans absorbing less CO2
• Marine heatwaves are particularly undermining the ocean's role in carbon sequestration
• The report warns that relying solely on nature-based solutions is risky, advocating for technology-based carbon removal to complement efforts in reducing emissions

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: As the world’s natural carbon sinks weaken, it becomes even more critical to achieve deep emission cuts to meet global climate goals
• The report’s stark conclusion is that delayed emission reductions are driving nearly every climate risk, including rising groundwater levels, the spread of disease, and reduced labor productivity
• As temperatures rise, vulnerable regions face unsafe working conditions, exacerbating global inequality and economic instability

⏭️ What's next:With COP30 just around the corner, the report calls for urgent action based on the latest scientific data, stressing the need for concrete steps to cut emissions, restore ecosystems, and strengthen global resilience
• The focus at COP30 must shift from pledges to real, implementable actions to safeguard the planet’s carbon sinks and prevent irreversible damage

💬 One quote: “We’ve long relied on forests and soils to quietly clean up our carbon mess—but their capacity is faltering.” — Sabine Fuss, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

📈 One stat: Over 800 million people in tropical regions are at risk of exposure to unsafe working conditions due to rising heat, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change.

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