# European forest biomass and timber supply decline

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-forest-biomass-and-timber-supply-decline
> Updated: 2026-08-17T05:31:13.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Research indicates a significant decline in European forest biomass and carbon storage capacity. A study published in Nature Geoscience found that biomass loss per affected hectare has increased by 46% since 2018, driven by factors such as drought, wildfires, insect infestations, and logging. Between 1985 and 2023, an estimated 6.5 billion tonnes of above-ground biomass were lost across the continent.

In Estonia, specific projections suggest that current logging volumes are unsustainable in the long term. Forecasts indicate that the area of mature and maturing forest stands will decrease by 10–20% over the next 20 years for most species. This decline is expected to be most pronounced in private forests, potentially threatening the raw material supply for the sawmill and plywood sectors.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: Estonian forest logging volumes projected to decline

Estonian Environmental Agency forecasts that current logging volumes cannot be sustained long-term, with a projected 10–20% decrease in mature forest stands over the next 20 years.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/estonian-forest-logging-volumes-projected-to-decline

### 2026-08-07: European Forests Lose More Biomass Since 2018, Cutting Carbon Storage

ESA‑backed study shows European forests have lost 46% more biomass per hectare since 2018, totaling 6.5 bn tonnes lost since 1985 and reducing the continent’s carbon storage.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-forests-lose-more-biomass-since-2018-cutting-carbon-storage

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Cite as: European forest biomass and timber supply decline. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-forest-biomass-and-timber-supply-decline