Story perspectives

Study Reveals Australia’s Forest Growth Masks Biodiversity Loss

11/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Griffith University analysis challenges Australia's claims of increasing forest cover since 2008.
It argues the measurement method masks losses by relying on net forest-area figures.
New forests do not match old-growth forests’ carbon storage or biodiversity.
Most destruction occurs in species-rich areas, while regrowth lies in weaker carbon sinks.
The Australian Conservation Foundation says the apparent rise may hide greater biodiversity losses and greenhouse gas emissions.

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Story summary

A Griffith University analysis challenges Australia's claims of increasing forest cover since 2008.
It argues the measurement method masks losses by relying on net forest-area figures.
New forests do not match old-growth forests’ carbon storage or biodiversity.
Most destruction occurs in species-rich areas, while regrowth lies in weaker carbon sinks.
The Australian Conservation Foundation says the apparent rise may hide greater biodiversity losses and greenhouse gas emissions.