Global forests hold significantly more carbon than is currently stored

Nature · Published 2 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Researchers who combined ground-sourced data with satellite observations found that global forest carbon storage is significantly below its natural potential. In areas with low human footprints, there is a massive deficit of 226 Gt of carbon compared to what the ecosystem could naturally hold.

By integrating multiple satellite and ground-based approaches, the study found that current forest carbon levels fall short of their natural capacity by 226 Gt. Most of this potential (61%) exists within current forests that could reach maturity through protection, while 39% is located in fragmented or cleared regions.

This computational assessment showed remarkable consistency between different measurement methods, with only a 12% difference between ground and satellite estimates.

Why it matters: Protecting and restoring diverse forests could significantly contribute to global climate and biodiversity targets.

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