Climate emissions from tropical forest damage 'underestimated by a factor of six'

Scientists say policymakers must better account for climate impacts of damage to forests, and benefits of conserving them

Greenhouse gas emissions caused by damage to tropical rainforests around the world are being underestimated by a factor of six, according to a new study.

Research led by the University of Queensland finds the climate impact of selective logging, outright clearing and fire in tropical rainforests between 2000 and 2013 was underestimated by 6.53bn tonnes of CO2.