Experts Warn Against Forestry Australia’s Proposal to Remove Trees for Carbon Credits

Experts are voicing serious apprehensions about a recent initiative by Australia’s forestry sector to remove trees from native forests, including national parks, in pursuit of carbon credits. While Forestry Australia claims this will enhance ecosystem resilience and combat climate change, leading researchers argue otherwise.

Prof. David Lindenmayer and colleagues highlight that practices like "adaptive harvesting" and "forest thinning" could escalate fire risks, degrade forest health, and release carbon, ultimately undermining climate goals. Furthermore, further harvesting of native forests threatens Australia’s declining biodiversity and emissions reduction targets.

The authors contend this proposal lacks both economic and climate justification and should be reconsidered. As Australia targets a 43% emissions reduction by 2030, such initiatives risk hindering progress and may incentivize practices that don’t contribute meaningfully to climate mitigation.

?? Read more about the implications of this proposal and why it’s critical to prioritize sustainable practices.