The Amazon Acts as Earth’s Natural Humidifier
- The Amazon rainforest regulates the Earth’s climate by producing oxygen, storing carbon, and recycling rainfall through transpiration.
Transpiration Recycles Rainfall and Cools the Air
- Transpiration allows plants to release water vapor, which cools the air, forms clouds, and recycles rainfall:
- Cooling Effect: Water evaporation cools the surrounding air.
- Cloud Formation: Rising water vapor condenses into clouds, leading to rain.
- Rainfall Recycling: Up to 50% of the Amazon’s rainfall is recycled through transpiration, sustaining biodiversity.
Deforestation Risks Pushing the Amazon Past a Tipping Point
- The reduction in transpiration caused by deforestation creates a positive feedback loop:
- Less Transpiration: Fewer trees release less water vapor, reducing rainfall.
- Drier Conditions: Increased fire risk further reduces forest cover.
- Self-Reinforcing Cycle: Fewer trees lead to even less rainfall, accelerating forest loss.
A snowball rolling downhill becomes harder to stop just like the Amazon if it reaches a tipping point.
Losing 20-25% of the Forest Could Trigger Irreversible Change
- Scientists estimate that losing 20-25% of the Amazon could transform it into a savanna-like grassland, with dramatic consequences for biodiversity and the climate.
- Should we act on incomplete scientific predictions, or wait for more certainty?
- What are the risks of delaying conservation decisions?
Deforestation Accelerates Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss
Amazon Deforestation Releases Massive Carbon Stores
- The Amazon stores approximately 120 billion tonnes of carbon.
