This piece highlights the dangers of relying on carbon sinks to calculate overall greenhouse gas emissions. Forests, for example, are one of the most efficient ways of storing and capturing carbon, but factors such as land use and natural disturbances may reverse their ability to do so.
A country that substantively relies on carbon sinks to calculate its net emissions without making additional efforts to reduce them may hinder its ability to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement. Although achieving NDC targets or specific implementation measures are not obligations that can be enforced under Art. 4(2), Parties must pursue measures and aim to achieve the objectives of their nationally determined contributions.