This article brings us very good news: we can achieve both mitigation of and adaptation to climate change at the same time. In a scenario of increasing extreme events, such as catastrophic floods and mega-fires, we need more and more dams (to control the flooding) and more forestry activity (to reduce the fuel available for fires). This new study also shows how both dams and the timber industry constitute two of the main carbon stores. Hydraulic and forestry engineering, therefore, play a key role in reducing CO₂ concentrations and protecting us from these extreme events.

Logically, this cannot happen at any price, and the sustainability of such engineering works must be guaranteed, but, today, we have the necessary knowledge and means to that end. However, we must not understand that this study provides an excuse for not reducing emissions: the decarbonisation of the economy is still a pressing need. But while that is happening, we now have a better understanding of how to manage the climate crisis.

The novelty of the study lies in the fact that, until now, studies on the carbon cycle have focused on the living part of ecosystems, while here the focus is broadened to observe what happens to the inert components. Apart from the role of dams and forestry, the article also shows how correct waste management can increase stored carbon. This is an important advance that allows us to reinforce and better understand the role of bioengineering solutions.