Carbon sink

A growing forest can therefore act as a carbon sink. Afforestation increases the amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere and stored in vegetation.

A forest acts as a carbon sink when it absorbs more carbon than it releases. This helps limit the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and therefore helps limit global warming.

Vegetation and soils therefore store carbon; where they take in more than they release, they act as carbon sinks. These processes help regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide, which influences climate.

A forest acting as a carbon sink therefore helps regulate climate. Roots hold soil together, while vegetation shelters the ground from heavy rainfall, reducing erosion. Nutrient recycling maintains plant growth, and the forest's role in the water cycle helps sustain water supplies.