Greenhouse gas emissions and removals in land and forests

The trend for net emissions shows that the land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector functioned as a net source of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in most of the years since 1990. Cropland, grassland, wetland and settlements are all net sources of GHGs, albeit to different degrees. In relation to carbon storage, organic soils are the main source of GHGs in the sector. Forest land and harvested wood products act as both GHG net sources and GHG sinks over time. In addition to the persistent anthropogenic emissions due to land use change and drainage, natural incidents (like droughts and pests) have a significant impact on emissions from the LULUCF sector. The trend for emissions can therefore change at relatively short notice.

In 2018 and subsequent years, forest biomass dramatically decreased as a result of forest damage caused by severe droughts. As a result, the LULUCF sector was a significant source of GHGs, with net emissions of up to approximately 83 Mt of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) in 2018 (see graph). Although emissions have been declining since 2018, the – 30 840 kt CO₂eq target for German net GHG removals in the LULUCF sector set out in the LULUCF Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/839) will most likely be missed.