Australian bushfires unleash millions of tonnes of carbon

posted by DAISY

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Australia is facing a massive environmental challenge from the huge amounts of carbon dioxide released by this year's bushfires.

Scientists believe that the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere may be equal to that produced in a full year by Australian industry.

Speaking to The Australian's Asa Wahlquist, Professor Mark Adams from the University of Sydney said that the carbon release was "far, far more than we're ever going to be able to sequester from planting trees or promoting carbon capture."

Australia's 2003 and 2006/7 bushfires were estimated to have released 70-105 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere. Because the forests affected by this year's fires are much more carbon-dense, it is thought that their emissions will be far greater.

Currently carbon emissions from forest fires are not included in the Kyoto Protocol, though this may change with a new climate change protocol.

This year's bushfires have killed over 180 people, with the final official death toll predicted to be at least 200.

Read Adams' full interview with The Australian here.
See images from the bushfires and their aftermath here.

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