Fire, insects and disease all pose a threat to Australia's forests but scientists are now seeing a rise in natural tree deaths right across the country. 

New research links this background mortality to higher average temperatures.

So what do these higher temperatures mean for our forests and the future of Australia's ecosystems? 

You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.

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Featuring: 

• Professor Belinda Medlyn, plant ecologist from Western Sydney University

Extra information: 

Pervasive increase in tree mortality across the Australian continent

Rising tree death rates in all types of Australian forest tied to climate change

This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar people.