Scientists Uncover Massive Climate Secret Beneath Sweden’s Forests

New research in Sweden found that primary boreal forests store about 72% more carbon than managed secondary forests when all carbon pools are counted.

Much of the extra carbon in old-growth stands is in the top meter of soil, which can hold nearly two-thirds of total carbon in some sites.

Across Sweden the difference equals about 9.9 kg more carbon per square meter and scaling restoration could prevent billions of tons of CO₂.

The study warns that managed forests and wood products may not fully compensate for carbon losses after clearing and that results may vary by region.