The academic paper, resulting from a review of recent research into drought, was published in the peer-reviewed journal Science and included contributions from Western Sydney University, University of Minnesota and Université Clermont Auvergne researchers.

It found that, when compared to corals, tree species were similarly vulnerable to climate change.

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Lead researcher Tim Brodribb said the review had shown that the rapid pace of climate change seemed to be creating huge instability when it came to the mortality rates of forests around the world.

"In the context of the massive drought in Australia last year, which killed a lot more trees than the more recent fires, this is a sobering message," Professor Brodribb said.

The process of evolution made it difficult to predict which tree species may die out amid drought, according to Professor Brodribb.

"The fitness of tree species may benefit from traits that either increase growth or enhance drought resilience," Professor Brodribb said. "Complexity arises because improving either of these two beneficial states often requires the same key traits to move in opposite directions, which leads to important trade-offs in adaptation to water availability."

The majority of the models researchers reviewed forecast major damage to forests over the next century if current climate trajectories remained on course.

Professor Brodribb said the bulk of observational data suggested that forest decline was well and truly underway.

"Future improvements in physiological understanding and dynamic monitoring are needed to improve the clarity of predictions; however, changes in community structure and ecology are certain, as are extinctions of tree species by the direct or indirect action of drought and high temperatures," he said.

Most models reviewed predict major damage to forests in the next century if current climate trajectories are not ameliorated.

Debate remains as to the magnitude of stabilising forces, such as tree acclimation and positive CO2-associated effects on water use. Still, most observational data suggest that forest decline is well underway.

"Future improvements in physiological understanding and dynamic monitoring are needed to improve the clarity of predictions; however, changes in community structure and ecology are certain, as are extinctions of tree species by the direct or indirect action of drought and high temperatures," the review team concludes.

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