MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Arctic-boreal zone emissions – E-000644/2025

Question for written answer  E-000644/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
César Luena (S&D)

A study by Nature Climate Change[1] has revealed significant changes in the CO2 balance of the arctic-boreal zone between 2001 and 2020. While the region in general remains a carbon sink, more than 30 % of the region is a net source of CO2 and the trends are alarming. Tundra regions may have already started to operate on average as CO2 sources, demonstrating a shift in carbon dynamics. What is more, when fire emissions are factored in, the zone’s growing sink is no longer statistically significant and the permafrost region becomes CO2 neutral.

• 1.Taking account of the crucial role played by forest fires, what specific measures is the Commission planning to improve fire prevention and management in European boreal regions?
• 2.Given the importance of permafrost in carbon storage, and with a view to understanding and mitigating the impacts of permafrost melting on CO2 emissions, what research and monitoring initiatives does the Commission plan to support?
• 3.How does the Commission intend to address these changes in its international cooperation policies, particularly in cooperation with countries with territory in the arctic and boreal region?

Submitted: 12.2.2025

• [1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-02234-5