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“Research into the necessary emissions reductions to meet the Paris Agreement’s warming limits might be fundamentally flawed,” David Karoly, an expert in climate change and variability, shared with SBS News.
An insight into the ancient tropical rainforest reveals trees marked with identification numbers as part of a comprehensive study. These towering giants, surrounded by lush undergrowth, are key subjects in climate research. Source: Supplied / State Forest
Hannah Carle, the lead researcher from Western Sydney University, explained to SBS News that tropical rainforests, such as the one under study, are typically viewed as dependable “carbon sinks.”
Carle’s work, in collaboration with scholars from several universities, focuses on the effects of climate change on Australia’s tropical forests. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of these vital ecosystems. Source: Supplied / Nic Vevers/ANU
Lead author Hannah Carle from Western Sydney University studied the impacts of climate change on Australia’s tropical forests along with a group of researchers from various other universities. Source: Supplied / Nic Vevers/ANU
“Forests absorb carbon when trees grow, and then release carbon when trees die and decay,” she said.
To track this shift, the researchers examined the balance of carbon gains and losses in the forest’s above-ground biomass — specifically the trunks and branches of trees.
What’s behind the forest’s shift?
In contrast, the forests studied in Queensland showed minimal human interference.
What does this mean for Australia’s climate modelling?
“This is because many of the assumptions of the Paris Agreement were based on these natural balances or natural removal systems.”
Echoing his viewpoint, Carle said: “We’re seeing that anthropogenic climate change is impacting otherwise intact ecosystems, and that the climate impact there is hindering the capacity of these ecosystems to help us fight climate change.”
Climate scientist David Karoly said the findings suggest Australia’s emissions reduction targets “could all be wrong”. Source: Supplied / Alexander Shenkin
Karoly called on the government to re-examine its climate modelling to determine whether it can still meet its net zero emissions target by 2050.
“The first thing they should be doing is strengthening the targets for emissions reduction in Australia,” he said.
Forests not to blame for ‘pollution’
“It’s climate pollution in the sense that it accelerates global warming.”
