Forests: facts and figures

What forests provide

Forests are vital for human health and well-being, for the environment and for the climate.

Carbon storage

Every year, EU forests capture around 10% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions – in trees, plants and soil. That makes them by far the biggest carbon sink in the EU.

Clean water and air 

Forests are natural purifiers for air and act as natural filters, capturing rainwater and allowing it to seep through the soil and roots.

Wildlife habitat

Forests are havens of biodiversity. Worldwide, they host 80% of all terrestrial species of animals, plants and fungi.

Timber and raw materials

Harvested wood products store carbon and contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions. Forests also provide non-wood raw material, such as food, medicinal plants and cork.

Forest land and forest health

In the EU

Nearly 40% of EU territory is covered by forests and the area has increased by 5.5% since 2000 thanks to afforestation, sustainable management, active restoration and natural processes.

However, our forests are in a poor condition as their health is deteriorating.

Worldwide

Forests cover around 30% of the Earth's land area. This represents 4.06 billion hectares or about half a hectare of forest for every person on the planet.

Each year, the area decreases by 4.12 million hectares on average. This is more than the size of the Netherlands.

Greenhouse gas storage

The health and resilience of forests, changes in forest ecosystems due to climate change or pests, and increased tree harvesting can all affect forests' ability to absorb and store greenhouse gases. In 2024, EU forests stored 25% less greenhouse gases than in 2000, even though their overall area has increased.

The potential of EU forests to store greenhouse gases is decreasing

The chart shows the annual amount of greenhouse gases absorbed by EU forests, measured in million tonnes CO₂ equivalent (MtCO₂e).

Threats to forests

Forests increasingly face pressures and risks, making it harder for them to offer the benefits expected of them.

Deforestation and forest degradation have destroyed around 10% of the world's forests over the past 30 years.

In addition, climate change is aggravating:

•    biodiversity loss
•    pests and diseases such as bark beetle infestations which can damage large areas of forest
•    pollution, such as high ozone levels that reduce trees' ability to carry out photosynthesis
•    droughts and forest fires, leading to younger forests or reduced growth rates

Forest fires on the rise in the EU

The chart shows the annual number of forest fires in the European Union. In 2022, almost 8 000 fires were recorded, causing a loss of 9 000 km² of EU forests.

As a result, the health of the EU forests and their resilience to stress is decreasing. Major fires are also polluting the air and water and in turn contributing to greater global warming.

See also