Top 10 Countries With The Largest Forest Carbon Sinks (2021–25)

Russian FederationRussia’s vast boreal forests remove around 1,150 MtCO₂ annually, making it the world’s largest carbon sink. Its immense forest area and natural regeneration drive global carbon absorption.ChinaChina absorbs about 840 MtCO₂ each year through massive afforestation and reforestation drives. Decades of tree-planting and sustainable land management make it a key global carbon sink.United States of AmericaThe US sequesters nearly 410 MtCO₂ per year across its temperate forests. Strong conservation laws and restoration programmes help offset emissions and sustain forest carbon stocks.BrazilBrazil’s Amazon rainforest removes about 340 MtCO₂ annually, even amid deforestation threats. Its vast biodiversity and rainforest ecosystems remain crucial to global carbon balance and climate health.IndiaIndia captures nearly 150 MtCO₂ annually through large-scale afforestation and agroforestry schemes. Community forestry and replanting efforts are expanding green cover and supporting rural livelihoods.BelarusBelarus absorbs about 150 MtCO₂ each year, supported by strong forest management, conservation, and low deforestation rates across its extensive temperate woodlands.South AfricaSouth Africa sequesters roughly 50 MtCO₂ annually through plantation forests, wetland protection, and restoration initiatives that combine biodiversity goals with emission reduction strategies.GhanaGhana removes about 55 MtCO₂ per year via community forestry and tropical forest protection. Its reforestation and conservation efforts are strengthening both carbon storage and local economies.Republic of KoreaKorea captures close to 45 MtCO₂ annually. Decades of reforestation, urban greening, and sustainable forest policies have transformed once-barren hills into thriving carbon-absorbing landscapes.HondurasHonduras absorbs about 35 MtCO₂ annually, driven by mangrove restoration, reforestation, and community forest protection that help safeguard both climate and biodiversity.10 Forests With The Most Colourful Autumn CanopiesRead More