The researchers, from The Australian National University (ANU) and Griffith University, say only native forests can remove carbon from the atmosphere at the rapid rate required. The Federal Government has legislated a 43 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by the year 2030.

Professor Brendan Mackey from Griffith University said carbon emissions need to be reduced by around 15.3 megatons each year for the next nine years if the government's target is to be met. "This is about the same as the annual net carbon emissions generated by logging our native forests," Professor Mackey said.

"Protecting and restoring native forests is a critical mitigation action if Australia is to meet its net zero emissions targets."

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