In a startling discovery, scientists have revealed that Australia’s rainforests are now releasing more carbon than they absorb — a reversal of their long-standing role as vital carbon sinks. The findings, published in the prestigious journal Nature, raise serious concerns about the global fight against climate change.
From Carbon Sink to Carbon Source
For decades, Australia’s rainforests in Queensland were considered critical natural allies in offsetting carbon emissions. However, new research led by Dr. Hannah Carle of Western Sydney University found that extreme temperatures, droughts, and stronger cyclones have caused widespread tree deaths, tipping the balance.
“Forests help curb the worst effects of climate change by absorbing some of the carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels,” said Dr. Carle. “But our work shows this ability is under threat.”
According to the study, the shift began around 25 years ago when dead trees and decaying wood — known as woody biomass — started releasing more carbon than growing trees could absorb.
A Warning for the Planet
The researchers analyzed 49 years of data from 20 Queensland forests, finding that the rate of tree mortality has sharply increased due to hotter temperatures, atmospheric dryness, and more frequent cyclones. Dr. Carle called the findings a “canary in the coal mine,” suggesting that other tropical forests could soon face similar declines.
Senior author Professor Patrick Meir described the results as “very concerning,” adding that the trend could extend to tropical ecosystems worldwide if global temperatures continue to rise.
Implications for Climate Goals
The discovery challenges current climate models that assume rainforests will continue absorbing large amounts of carbon. “Current models may overestimate the capacity of tropical forests to help offset fossil fuel emissions,” Dr. Carle noted.
Australia, one of the world’s highest per-capita emitters, recently pledged to cut emissions by at least 62% from 2005 levels over the next decade. However, the government continues to face criticism for approving new fossil fuel projects, including the 40-year extension of the Woodside North West Shelf gas project.
A Climate Turning Point
Experts warn that if Australia’s rainforests — some of the oldest and most biodiverse on Earth — can no longer store carbon effectively, it could accelerate global warming and complicate efforts to meet the Paris Agreement goals.
Recent climate reports show Australia has already surpassed 1.5°C of warming, with scientists warning that no community will remain untouched by the “cascading and compounding” impacts of climate change.
As Dr. Carle summarized, “What’s happening in Queensland’s forests today could soon happen in tropical regions around the world.”
In other news also read about Methane Leaks Discovered in Antarctica Raise Fears of Faster Global Warming
