Europe's carbon sinks under pressure: Unprecedented biomass loss in Europe's forests since 2018
Peer-Reviewed Publication
This October, things are getting a little creepy and crawly. We're shining a light on the fascinating world of arthropods, from insects and spiders to scorpions, centipedes and more, and exploring the latest research on the creatures that crawl, creep and fly all around us.
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 23-Oct-2026 17:17 ET (23-Oct-2026 21:17 GMT/UTC)
Using satellite data, researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have identified an unprecedented loss of aboveground biomass in Europe’s forests since 2018. Forests in Central Europe, which have been heavily affected by drought and bark beetle outbreaks, have been particularly impacted. The study also shows that even small increases in disturbed forest area can release large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. The findings raise concerns about the European Union's ability to meet its climate goals.
A research paper by scientists from Harbin Institute of Technology proposed an integrate the characteristics of different animals, an insect-scale tripedal piezoelectric robot incorporating multiple biomimetic features.
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