Measurements of biomass content provide important data on the carbon storage potential of forests. 

Geike De Sloover, a PhD candidate at the University of Antwerp and Ghent University, is developing continuous terrestrial laser scans at ICOS Ecosystem sites to test the potential of integrating 3D scans into long term monitoring.

The ICOS Science Conference, organised every second year by the ICOS community, is a global event open to scientists and other experts working in greenhouse gases and biogeochemical cycles.

Take a look back at key highlights from the past ICOS Science Conferences ahead of the 2026 edition in Lund, Sweden.

A study, published earlier this year in Nature, found that a third (34 %) of the Arctic-boreal zone is now a source of carbon to the atmosphere. That balance sheet is made up of carbon dioxide (CO₂) uptake from plant photosynthesis and CO₂ released to the atmosphere through microbial and plant respiration. When emissions from fire were added, the percentage grew to 40%.

Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions are not solely confined to Europe – the effects of climate change are being felt the world over. Sharing data, knowledge and expertise on dealing with climate change on regional and global scales is therefore crucial.

Take a look back at some collaborations participated in and instigated by ICOS and the ICOS community of scientists.

A new study conducted at the University of Freiburg shows that recurring years of heat and drought since 2018 have caused long-term damage to a pine forest in southwestern Germany. 

Over 60 percent of the pine trees have