Greenhouse gas emissions and removals in land and forests

The carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption capacity in Poland shows significant temporal variability. In 2019–2021, there was a noticeable decrease in absorption levels; however, they remained higher than in the early 1990s. After a significant increase in 2022, there was another drop in 2023. These changes highlight challenges, but also draw attention to steps taken to enhance absorption capacity. Considerable fluctuations in the early 1990s were associated with natural disturbances that affected the consistent growth of wood resources. The 2019–2021 net carbon sink of the land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector was affected by a significant short-term downturn in the dynamics of forest resource growth. It was driven by, among other factors, the effects of tree stand ageing, which influences tree size, shape, biomass allocation and, consequently, allometric relationships. In addition, the delayed effects of natural extreme events – such as periodic prolonged droughts since 2014 and very strong winds in 2017 – have significantly affected the dynamics of dead wood decomposition. These factors have had a considerable impact on carbon accumulation in forests. Nevertheless, around 30% of the territory is covered by forests supporting CO2 absorption. Furthermore, farmers who adopt sustainable agricultural practices to protect soil and enhance its carbon storage are financially supported through the common agricultural policy, under the eco-scheme on carbon farming and nutrient management.