Tropical Rainforests Turning from Carbon Sinks to Net Emitters

Tropical rainforests are turning from carbon sinks to emitters, warning of global climate risks and urgent need for forest resilience.

Tropical Rainforests Turning from Carbon Sinks to Net Emitters

Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation (UPSC GS III, Editorial Analysis)

Introduction

Tropical rainforests are vital carbon sinks that absorb vast amounts of CO₂, helping regulate Earth’s climate. However, recent research (Nature, October 2025, by Australian scientists) warns that parts of these forests are now emitting more carbon than they store — turning into net carbon sources. This shift marks a critical warning for global climate stability.

Key Findings (Australia Study, 2025)

Long-term data from Queensland show tropical forest biomass has shifted from absorbing to releasing carbon.
Rising tree mortality due to heatwaves, droughts, and cyclones is the main cause.
The trend indicates weakening forest resilience — a “canary in the coal mine” for global ecosystems.
The study suggests that current carbon-cycle models may overestimate forests’ carbon absorption capacity.

Global Context: Forest Decline

The 2025 Forest Declaration Assessment Report shows 8.1 million ha of forest lost in 2024 — 63% above COP26 targets for ending deforestation by 2030.
Agricultural expansion (86%) and forest fires are key drivers.
Forest degradation affected another 8.8 million ha in 2024.
Combined, these trends threaten the natural balance of carbon regulation and climate mitigation.

Implications

1. For Climate Change

Tropical forests earlier absorbed ~30% of human CO₂ emissions.
As they weaken, the global carbon budget tightens, making net-zero targets harder.
Climate models may be underestimating future warming.

2. For Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Forest dieback disrupts rainfall patterns, soil stability, and biodiversity.
Loss of keystone species (pollinators, dispersers) leads to cascading ecological collapse.
The Amazon’s decline could even affect the Indian monsoon.

3. For Indigenous and Local Communities

Over 1.6 billion people depend on forests for livelihoods and cultural identity.
Forest decline threatens food security and increases rural migration.

4. For India

India’s Western Ghats, Northeast, and Andaman forests face similar risks.
Forest health directly influences monsoon regulation and water security.
National initiatives — Green India Mission and Forest Policy 2023 (Draft) — must integrate forest mortality and resilience data.

Way Forward

Policy and Governance

Enforce strict curbs on primary-forest loss.
Monitor forest vitality and carbon fluxes, not just area.
Align forest, climate, and biodiversity policies.
Empower indigenous communities with land rights and co-management roles.

Science and Technology

Expand long-term forest monitoring networks.
Improve carbon-cycle models with real-world mortality and heat data.
Promote native, climate-resilient species in reforestation.

Finance and Economy

Redirect subsidies away from deforestation-linked agriculture.
Scale up climate finance and REDD+ for forest conservation.
Include forest carbon in national accounting frameworks.

India-Specific Actions

Operationalise the Green Credit Programme to fund verified restoration.
Use remote sensing for tracking forest carbon and canopy health.
Integrate forests into climate adaptation plans as natural infrastructure.

Public Awareness

Spread awareness that forests have limits as carbon absorbers.
Encourage sustainable consumption and deforestation-free products.

Conclusion

The shift of tropical rainforests from carbon sinks to carbon emitters signals a grave ecological warning. Protecting and restoring forest resilience is no longer optional — it is central to achieving global climate stability, safeguarding biodiversity, and ensuring a sustainable future.