Trees are more vulnerable to drought than was thought, research led by University of Western Sydney has found. The study suggests forests will decline under changing temperature and rainfall.

Collecting data from over 80 locations around the world, the study found 70% of tree species have very low tolerance to drought. Drought causes air bubbles to form in the pipes trees use to transport water.

Trees from dry and wet areas were affected the same. The researchers found trees in both areas live close to their limits of drought tolerance.