Scientists Worried That Amazon Rainforest is Releasing More CO2 Than It Can Absorb

For the first time, scientists have proven that the Amazon rainforest is releasing more carbon dioxide than it can absorb. According to research, annual emissions total one billion tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The massive forest had previously served as a carbon sink, absorbing the emissions that have accelerated the global catastrophe, but is now contributing to its worsening, according to experts.

The majority of the emissions come from fires, many of which are intentionally set to clear land for cattle and soy cultivation. However, even without fires, the south-eastern Amazon has become a source of CO2 rather than a sink due to rising temperatures and droughts.

Absorbing Carbon

"The saddest thing is that we don't make judgments based on science," she added. "People believe that turning more land to agriculture would increase production, but the detrimental impact on rain actually reduces productivity."

According to research published on Friday, the soy sector in Brazil loses $3.5 billion per year due to the initial rise in severe heat that follows forest loss.

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