Core Insights - An international study indicates that due to climate change and increased extreme weather, the tropical rainforests in Queensland, Australia, are experiencing higher tree mortality, transforming them from carbon sinks to carbon sources [1] - The research, conducted by academic institutions from Australia, the UK, and France, analyzed the growth of 20 tropical rainforest sites in Queensland since the 1970s, revealing concerning trends [1] - The study highlights that climate change is not only causing higher temperatures and droughts but also leading to more cyclones, which further damage the rainforests [1] Summary by Categories Climate Change Impact - The study found that from 1970 to 1980, these rainforests could net absorb approximately 1000 kilograms of carbon per hectare per year, while from 2010 to 2019, they were net releasing a similar amount of carbon [1] - Researchers emphasize that the carbon absorbed by trees during growth is now outweighed by the carbon released upon tree death [1] Research Findings - The first author of the report, Hannah Kahl from Western Sydney University, stated that forests can absorb some of the carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels, which helps mitigate climate change, but this function is now under threat [1] - Co-author David Bowman from Oxford University urged stakeholders to take urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to allow these irreplaceable forests to continue their role in combating global warming [1]