Undiscovered Amazon drugs could be valued at $215 billion, analysis finds
As trees fall, species that could yield lifesaving medicines risk disappearing before science can find them.
An analysis conducted by the London-based Zero Carbon Analytics (ZCA) has suggested that the Amazon rainforest could be valued at a staggering $215 billion based on undiscovered drugs derived from its flowering plants, accounting for approximately 30% of the global potential commercial value. According to the ZCA report, tropical forests worldwide could hold a median value of $714 billion — ranging from $382 billion to $1.176 trillion — in potential drug-derived wealth.
The Amazon's extensive collection of natural compounds, many of which have yet to be screened, places it among the most valuable regions for pharmaceutical development. However, ZCA estimates that deforestation since 2001 has already jeopardized $86 billion in potential drug value globally, with the risk being particularly high for the Amazon.
As deforestation continues, the loss of unique, endemic plant species may lead to the permanent loss of potential pharmaceutical benefits.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
