European Forestry Pulse #5 🌲

Hello,

Europe's forests just delivered a wake-up call that changes everything. New data shows our carbon sinks are failing faster than anyone expected, putting both climate targets and forest economics at risk.

Here's what's moving European forestry this week:

A bombshell Nature study reveals EU forest carbon sinks have declined by 27% between 2020-2022 compared to 2010-2014 averages. The 2025 inventory shows an even steeper decline, with forests now absorbing far less CO2 due to increased harvesting, climate stress, and the vulnerability of monoculture plantations that make up 30% of EU forests.

This isn't just an environmental statistic—it's a fundamental shift that jeopardizes the EU's target to save an additional 42 million tons of CO2 equivalents by 2030. The implications ripple through every aspect of forest management: potential harvesting restrictions, new regulatory pressures, and questions about the reliability of forest carbon credits.

What this means for you: Expect policy shifts favoring climate-resilient mixed forests over monocultures. Carbon credit values may fluctuate as buyers question forest sink reliability. Most importantly, this data strengthens the case for transformation funding—governments need healthy forests more than ever. Source: Climate-protecting carbon sinks of EU forests are declining - Phys.org

Two leading platforms merged to form Europe's first full-stack forest carbon company, combining software expertise with on-ground forest management. The new entity promises streamlined project development from registration through credit sales.

The takeaway: If you've been hesitating on carbon projects due to complexity, this merger creates a one-stop solution that could finally make forest carbon accessible to smaller operators. Source: Pina Earth, Tree.ly Merge To Form Leading Forest Carbon Platform - Carbon Herald

EFI's FORWARDS project launched grant calls totaling €2M for linking ground-based monitoring with remote sensing. Applications close August 24 for projects using hyperspectral imaging and real-time ecosystem monitoring.

The takeaway: This is free money for forest research organizations and tech-savvy foresters—but you have less than three weeks to apply. Source: FORWARDS launches new calls for grants - European Forest Institute

August opened with lumber at $695.50 USD, up 37% year-over-year and 13% in just the past month. The sustained rally reflects tight supply and recovering construction demand across Europe and North America.

The takeaway: If you've been holding back inventory, these price levels offer the best selling opportunity in over two years—but watch for volatility. Source: Lumber - Price - Chart - Trading Economics

Assess your forest's climate vulnerability score. With carbon sinks failing, forests that can prove resilience will command premium values. This week, evaluate your species mix: if you're over 50% monoculture, start planning diversification. Mixed-species forests are showing 40% better survival rates in the current climate. Free vulnerability assessment tools are available at climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu.

Until Thursday!

Wish you all the best: Peter

P.S. What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in forestry right now?
Hit reply and let me know — I read every message personally.

P. P. S. Know a forest professional who’s drowning in EUDR complexity or missing out on timber market shifts? Forward this issue or invite them to join!

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