Researchers used radiocarbon to show that organic carbon in dryland topsoils is much older than previously estimated, averaging about 2,000 years. However, when dry soils are wetted, even old carbon is decomposed and respired by microbes.
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The Amazon rainforest experienced unusually high temperatures and atmospheric dryness in 2023. Observations from ATTO and further data revealed that the vegetation’s uptake of carbon was above average early in the year, but drastically reduced during the drought season, leading from a carbon sink into a source.
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Dr Alexander J. Winkler receives an ERC Starting Grant for his research on the global climate-carbon cycle. The project investigates how the Earth system will evolve up to and beyond peak CO₂ levels.
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Forests in the EU are less effective at storing carbon. Researchers recommend specific steps in forest management and research to halt this negative trend. more
The BIOMASS satellite was successfully launched into orbit on 29 April 2025. The BIOMASS mission is designed to map and monitor global forests. It will map the structure of different forest types and provide data on above-ground biomass.
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