Abstract
Forests are central to climate change mitigation, serving both as natural carbon sinks and as renewable resources within the bioeconomy. However, the effectiveness of forests in contributing to emission reduction and climate policy goals remains difficult to quantify due to limited and fragmented indicators. This paper introduces two complementary metrics—the Inverted Carbon Footprint (ICF) and the Wood Footprint (WF)—designed to assess the absorptive and material dimensions of forest–climate interactions. Using national data for Poland (1999–2021) and comparative European sources, the study evaluates trends in forest area expansion, timber harvesting, and wood product utilisation. Results indicate that although Poland’s total forest area continues to increase, the rate of afforestation is declining, leading to diminishing marginal gains in CO₂ absorption. Conversely, rising timber production and exports suggest a high wood footprint relative to the EU average, reflecting both the economic strength and the material intensity of Poland’s forest sector. The findings underscore the dual challenge of sustaining carbon sequestration capacity while managing growing industrial demand. The paper highlights the need for harmonised data systems and standardised footprint indicators to integrate forest-based metrics into EU carbon accounting and circular economy frameworks. Strengthening such tools can enhance evidence-based policymaking and support the transition toward low-carbon, resource-efficient forest management in Europe.