Giant trees of the Amazon get taller as forests fatten up on carbon dioxide
12 hours ago
- #Climate Change
- #Deforestation
- #Amazon Rainforest
- A new study finds that the largest trees in the Amazon rainforest are thriving, growing in size and number, and playing a key role in mitigating climate change.
- The study, tracking changes in 188 forest plots over 30 years, found a 3.3% increase in big trees per decade, attributed to rising atmospheric CO2 levels.
- Scientists warn that despite their resilience, big trees remain vulnerable to droughts, fires, lightning, and deforestation, which continue to threaten the Amazon.
- The Amazon acts as a carbon sink, but deforestation and climate change could push it past its limit, turning it into a carbon source.
- Researchers emphasize the importance of protecting intact forests to stabilize the climate, but note the Amazon alone cannot offset global CO2 emissions.
- A separate study warns that without action, 10% to 47% of the Amazon could transition away from rainforest by 2050 due to warming and deforestation.