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Articles on carbon sink

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Anya Waite (second from left) highlights the critical role of the ocean in regulating our climate, and the need to invest in observing oceans that store more than 90 per cent of all carbon, at COP27’s Earth Information Day event. (The Global Ocean Observing System)

Behind the scenes: How COP27 reached a deal that supports better monitoring of oceans to curb climate crisis

COP27’s agreement on observing the oceans sets a strong foundation for policymakers to invest in internationally linked observation that will help countries better monitor these carbon sinks.
Marcin Jozwiak/Unsplash

Global carbon emissions at record levels with no signs of shrinking, new data shows. Humanity has a monumental task ahead

At current levels of emissions, there is a 50% chance the planet will reach the 1.5°C global average temperature rise in just nine years.
Trees scorched by the Caldor Fire smoulder in the Eldorado National Forest, Calif., Sept. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Planting trees can help the climate, but only if we also stop burning fossil fuels

Planting trees and preventing deforestation can store carbon in nature, but the effect may only be temporary. If we also eliminate emissions from fossil fuels, even this temporary effect is important.
Shutterstock

In 20 years of studying how ecosystems absorb carbon, here’s why we’re worried about a tipping point of collapse

As climate change pressures intensify, ecosystems may lose their ability to bounce back from disasters.
The world’s leaders have tried to stop deforestation before, but have had little success. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

COP26 deforestation deal key to slowing climate change, but Canada must tackle issues of carbon accounting and industry

The pledge to end deforestation holds great potential, but Canada has some work ahead if it is to make meaningful progress on the new goal and stop ongoing forest and carbon loss.
Wildfire smoke rises near Prince Albert, Sask., in May 2021, where a fast-moving wildfire led local officials to declare a state of emergency. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kayle Neis

How wildfires affect climate change — and vice versa

Recent wildfire seasons have been worsened by climate change. But wildfires also lead to additional climate warming when they release carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

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