Rainforests are often called the lungs of the Earth. They absorb carbon dioxide, store it in trees, and help keep the planet cool. For years, Australia’s tropical rainforests played this vital role. However, new research has revealed a worrying shift. Australia’s rainforests and carbon emissions are now telling a very different story, one that shows how deeply climate change is already reshaping nature.
What did scientists discover in Australia’s tropical rainforests?
A recent study by scientists from the University of Edinburgh, the Australian National University, and the University of Queensland found that Australia’s tropical rainforests are now releasing more carbon dioxide than they absorb.
This means these forests have changed from being carbon sinks, which soak up CO2, to carbon sources, which add CO2 to the atmosphere.
Why is this happening?
Scientists point to several connected causes:
- Bushfires that burn trees and release stored carbon
- Deforestation, where trees are cut down
- Water shortages and droughts
- Rising temperatures due to climate change
When trees burn or die, the carbon locked inside their trunks and roots escapes into the air. This extra carbon adds to global warming, creating a dangerous cycle.
The researchers studied nearly 11,000 trees in Queensland’s wet tropical rainforests over 49 years. This long-term data helped scientists clearly see how changing weather patterns and human activity are affecting forest health over time.
Why Australia’s tropical rainforests matters for the planet
Rainforests play a huge role in controlling Earth’s climate. If they stop absorbing carbon and start releasing it instead, climate change can speed up even faster. This affects weather, sea levels, wildlife, and people around the world.
Is there still hope?
Yes. Scientists say this change is not permanent. By protecting existing forests, stopping deforestation, and restoring damaged rainforest areas, it is still possible to help these ecosystems recover and return to absorbing carbon.
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