Australia’s iconic tropical rainforests have just made history—unfortunately, not for the right reasons. A new study published in Nature reveals that, for the first time ever, these lush forests are emitting more carbon than they absorb. Researchers from Western Sydney University connect this shift to climate change: extreme temperatures, severe cyclones, and intensifying droughts are killing trees faster than new ones grow. That means the rainforests—once vital “carbon sinks”—have flipped into net carbon sources.
This alarming finding doesn’t just matter for Australia. It could be a warning for tropical forests worldwide, with huge implications for global climate goals and efforts to cut emissions. Stay tuned as we unpack what this means for the planet, policies, and the fight for a sustainable future.
Podcast Starts :
The Hydrogeek podcast dives into a remarkable study showing Australia’s tropical rainforests have shifted from absorbing carbon to emitting it, marking a reversal in their critical role as climate regulators. This change is driven by climate change impacts—extreme heat, drought, and cyclones—which now kill more trees than new ones can grow, turning these lush forests from “carbon sinks” to “carbon sources.” Researchers from Western Sydney University highlight that this disruption began about 25 years ago and is accelerating, with implications for climate mitigation strategies worldwide.
The study’s findings act as a stark warning not just for Australia, but for tropical forests globally. Climate models and carbon reduction goals often rely on forests’ ability to pull greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere, but the reversal seen in Queensland’s rainforests challenges those assumptions. The loss of tree cover—driven first by human activity and now by intensifying natural hazards—means forests can no longer keep pace with emissions, potentially leaving more carbon in the air and raising global temperatures. This “canary in the coal mine” signals broader threats to ecosystem resilience and carbon storage.
Host commentary emphasizes the urgent need for solutions, calling on listeners to help protect forests, water bodies, and other carbon sinks. Beyond stopping deforestation, the podcast suggests growing urban greenery and restoring marshlands and meadows to expand natural carbon absorption. The episode ends with a call for collective action—by raising awareness and changing practices, listeners can help reverse destructive trends and support ecological balance, vital for combating climate change and securing planetary health.
References used in the Podcast
Australia’s rainforests are releasing more carbon than they absorb, warn scientists
Australian wet rainforests may be switching from absorbing carbon to emitting it
Australian rainforests are becoming a net source of carbon emissions
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