Australia's rainforests are now releasing more carbon than they soak up
Queensland's tropical rainforests, once known for absorbing carbon, have started emitting more than they capture.
A new study found this shift happened between 1971 and 2019, mainly because hotter weather, droughts, and stronger cyclones led to increased tree mortality.
Researchers noted this as the first instance globally of rainforests flipping from carbon sinks to sources.
Why does this matter?
This finding shakes up what climate models have been telling us: that tropical forests will keep helping with climate change by locking away carbon.
If forests can't bounce back—especially with limited nutrients like phosphorus—it could mess with global plans to cut emissions.
The researchers say it's time for better forest care and replanting efforts if we want these ecosystems to help fight climate change in the future.