Why Plants Are Struggling to Absorb CO2: The Impact of a Warming Climate

Our planet is struggling to absorb carbon dioxide at the same rate as before. Recent studies show that the ability of Earth’s plants and soils to trap carbon dioxide peaked in 2008, and it has been declining ever since. This shift raises concerns about severe climate changes in the future.

For over a century, plants have thrived with the help of rising carbon dioxide levels and warmer temperatures. These conditions allowed for greater growth and longer seasons. However, the benefits are starting to falter. Climate change is bringing wildfires, droughts, storms, floods, and new pests, all of which negatively impact how much carbon dioxide plants can take in.

Research by James Curran, former head of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and his son Sam, highlights this trend. They found that after 2008, the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by plants dropped by about 0.25% each year. James noted, “The findings are very stark. Emissions now need to fall by 0.3% per year, just to stand still. That’s a tall order since they typically increase by 1.2% per year.” Their study is detailed in the journal Weather.