Germany's forests, once vital carbon sinks, are now releasing more carbon dioxide than they absorb, according to the latest Federal Forest Inventory.

This shift is attributed to climate-induced damages such as droughts, storms, and pest infestations, which have reduced the carbon stock by 41.5 million tons since 2017. Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir highlighted that the forests have become carbon sources, complicating Germany's climate goals.

Efforts to transition to more resilient mixed forests are underway, but progress is slow.

The inventory also revealed a slight increase in forest area, yet regions like Saxony-Anhalt have seen significant losses.

The situation underscores the urgent need for robust forest management policies to combat climate change impacts.