Across the vast lands of the Northern Hemisphere, encircling the Arctic Circle, lies an endless belt of green—the Boreal Forest, also known as Taiga or coniferous forest. It is the largest terrestrial biome on Earth, covering approximately 17 million square kilometers—more than twice the size of the Amazon rainforest—and spanning Canada, Russia, Alaska, and Scandinavia.
Why is the boreal forest so important? It stores 30%-40% of the world's terrestrial carbon, equivalent to about 208 billion tons, making it the largest land-based carbon reservoir on the planet. At the same time, it provides extensive freshwater filtration services and habitats for numerous wildlife species, earning it the titles of "the lungs of the Earth" and "global climate guardian." However, under the impacts of climate change, this ancient forest is facing unprecedented crises.
The Unique Ecology of the Boreal Forest: Vitality Beneath a Calm Exterior
The boreal forest has distinct characteristics: it is dominated by cold-resistant coniferous trees such as spruce, pine, larch, and fir. These species' needle-like leaves reduce water evaporation, adapting to winters that last 6-8 months and short summers. The soil is mostly acidic, with permafrost often underlying it, resulting in a brief growing season that nevertheless nurtures a unique ecosystem.
Although its biodiversity is not as rich as that of tropical rainforests, the boreal forest is home to many iconic species: caribou (known as reindeer in Eurasia), brown bears, wolves, lynx, Siberian tigers, and billions of migratory birds. It features abundant wetlands and countless lakes, forming a rich ecological mosaic.
Interestingly, wildfires are a natural part of the boreal forest, known as "fires of rebirth." Moderate wildfires clear old trees, promote new growth, and help the forest renew itself in cycles. But now, everything is changing.
The Most Discussed Topic: Crises Under Climate Change
In recent years, when people mention the boreal forest, the most frequently discussed issue is the impact of climate change. The northern regions are warming at 2-4 times the global average rate, causing permafrost to thaw and accelerating carbon release. What was once a carbon sink is gradually turning into a carbon source—meaning it no longer absorbs large amounts of CO₂ but instead releases stored carbon, exacerbating global warming.
Even more severe are the increasing wildfires. The 2023 Canadian wildfire season set records, and conditions in 2025 remain severe. Russia and Alaska have also repeatedly broken records. Wildfires not only directly release massive amounts of CO₂ but also damage soil insulation, accelerating permafrost thaw and creating a vicious cycle. Studies show that boreal wildfires have reduced carbon storage capacity, with regeneration failing in some areas.
Other impacts include pest outbreaks, northward tree species migration, and declining biodiversity. UN reports warn that without action, carbon releases from the boreal forest could offset global emission reduction efforts.
Humans and the Boreal Forest: Protection or Development?
The boreal forest is not only a natural treasure but also sustains the lives of Indigenous peoples. They rely on the forest for hunting and gathering, with the forest forming the root of their culture.
Economically, forestry and mining bring benefits but also spark controversy. Sustainable management is crucial, such as the Canadian Boreal Forest Conservation Agreement, which has established numerous protected areas.
The future outlook is not optimistic, but there is still hope: strengthening fire management, reducing development, and supporting Indigenous rights can help restore the forest's resilience.
What Can We Do?
The boreal forest remains one of the most intact forests on Earth, and timely action can reverse the crisis. We should pay attention to it just as we do to the Amazon: support global emission reductions, sustainable forestry, and call for international protection.
It is not just the "forest of the North," but a green guardian for all humanity. Protecting the boreal forest means protecting our future.
(References: NASA, World Resources Institute, UNECE reports, Nature journal, and other latest studies as of 2025)
