Sweden’s Forest Policies Could Make or Break Global Climate Goals

For centuries, Sweden’s vast boreal forests have been the stuff of legends—dark, mysterious woodlands that provided sustenance and shelter to generations. Today, these same forests fuel a global industry, making Sweden one of the world’s largest exporters of paper, timber, and biofuels that end up in products worldwide.

A recent Swedish government forestry inquiry has sparked international concern among climate scientists and environmentalists. The plan calls for accelerating forest growth and harvesting more biomass as part of the country’s green transition strategy. While this might sound environmentally friendly—more trees should mean more carbon absorption, right?—experts warn the approach overlooks a critical piece of the climate puzzle.

The real carbon powerhouse in these ancient forests isn’t the towering trees visible above ground, but the vast stores of carbon locked beneath the forest floor. In roots, decomposing matter, fungi, and complex underground ecosystems, boreal soils hold massive amounts of carbon that took millennia to accumulate. When forestry operations intensify through clearcutting, soil compaction from heavy machinery, and shorter harvest cycles, this underground carbon vault becomes vulnerable.

The implications extend far beyond Sweden’s borders. As one of the world’s forestry giants, Sweden’s management decisions influence global carbon markets, climate commitments, and biodiversity conservation efforts. Scientists argue that protecting these carbon-rich soils and the intricate ecosystems they support—including the lichens that sustaining reindeer herds—may be more crucial for climate stability than maximizing timber production. The choice Sweden makes could either accelerate or help solve the climate crisis.