Functioning ecosystems on land and in the oceans absorb a large proportion of man-made CO₂ emissions. Forests, for example, store a significant amount of carbon. However, if forested areas are destroyed through deforestation or succumb to fires, this releases the captured carbon as CO₂, which contributes to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Another example is moors and mangrove forests, which normally are carbon sinks. However, if they are degraded or destroyed altogether, they can no longer fulfil this function. This means the integrity and functionality of ecosystems are crucial when it comes to stabilizing the climate.
Biodiversity actions affecting climate
