Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Colorado Forests Emit 3.2 Million Tons of Carbon Annually

2/14/2025

40 8

Summary

Story summary

Colorado's forests are in crisis, releasing more carbon than they can absorb as tree deaths from bark beetles, disease, and wildfires escalate. Annually, they emit a staggering 3.2 million metric tons of carbon, despite storing the equivalent of 1.3 billion vehicles. With ongoing droughts and wildfires, the fight against climate change grows increasingly urgent.

1 of 1

Story summary

Colorado's forests are in crisis, releasing more carbon than they can absorb as tree deaths from bark beetles, disease, and wildfires escalate. Annually, they emit a staggering 3.2 million metric tons of carbon, despite storing the equivalent of 1.3 billion vehicles. With ongoing droughts and wildfires, the fight against climate change grows increasingly urgent.