Germany's Forests Now Emit CO2, Study Finds

Germany's forests are dying. Widespread tree death from drought and insect infestations has become so severe that the forests now release more carbon dioxide than they absorb. This alarming shift, from carbon sink to carbon source, is documented in a new report. The trend is being seen across Central Europe. In Germany's Harz mountains, the damage is stark. Thousands of dead spruce trees stand like skeletons. A bark beetle outbreak, fueled by years of heat and drought, has turned lush green slopes grey. Scientists say the crisis is largely due to monoculture farming of trees. Vast areas planted with only spruce, a species vulnerable to a warming climate, have been wiped out. The report suggests a solution: planting biodiverse, climate-resilient forests. Mixing many native tree species could make forests stronger against future threats. The goal is to restore the forest's vital role in fighting climate change.