Story perspectives

Australia's Rainforests Now Emit More Carbon Than Absorb

10/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Australia’s tropical rainforests have shifted from carbon sinks to carbon sources, a global first, over 49 years of data.
The shift is driven by climate-change–related tree mortality from rising temperatures and drought.
Woody biomass now emits more carbon than it absorbs, losing about 0.9 tonnes per hectare annually.
Experts warn this trend could undermine global emissions reduction targets.
Continued monitoring remains essential to understand future carbon dynamics.

1 of 1

Story summary

Australia’s tropical rainforests have shifted from carbon sinks to carbon sources, a global first, over 49 years of data.
The shift is driven by climate-change–related tree mortality from rising temperatures and drought.
Woody biomass now emits more carbon than it absorbs, losing about 0.9 tonnes per hectare annually.
Experts warn this trend could undermine global emissions reduction targets.
Continued monitoring remains essential to understand future carbon dynamics.