The Amazon rainforest, long known as the ‘lungs of our planet,’ now releases more carbon than it absorbs
The Amazon rainforest has long been called the “lungs of our planet,” because of how it takes in and stores billions of tons of carbon dioxide. But the Amazon has been losing that ability. Years of deforestation, drought, and fires have hindered just how much CO2 the rainforest can absorb. Now, the Amazon rainforest often releases more carbon than it takes in, a new study finds. It’s only in the…
The Amazon rainforest, once dubbed the "lungs of our planet," has now reached a critical juncture, releasing more carbon than it absorbs, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature. Led by Brazil's National Institute for Space Research and comprising an international team of researchers, the study analyzed 15 years of atmospheric carbon measurements collected by research planes.
The findings reveal that the forest's ability to absorb carbon has been significantly undermined by years of deforestation, drought, and fires. While the Amazon remains relatively carbon neutral during wet years with low human activity, it transitions into a carbon source when drought, heat, and increased deforestation and wildfires occur.
Researchers emphasize that human choices regarding land use and management are pivotal in determining the forest's carbon balance. The study underscores the urgency of implementing policies to curb deforestation and halt the Amazon's transformation into a carbon emitter.
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