Amazon forests play a crucial role in carbon storage and habitats for known and unknown species. Despite its world importance, Amazon has suffered from various threats, including climate change, global warming, and massive deforestation.
In a recent report, researchers raised concerns about the potential large-scale ecosystem collapse of the Amazon forest by 2050. The report called for urgent efforts to protect from threats to avoid the possible environmental consequences.
According to reports, the Amazon forest is an important habitat for 10% of different species. The forest is a source of livelihood, water and protection for communities.
In addition, the Amazon forest helps stabilize the climate due to its carbon storage. It protects against the pressing problem of global warming and climate change.
Amazon Forest and Possible Ecosystem Collapse
Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. The latest report raised concern about the potential large-scale collapse of the Amazon forest due to climate change, deforestation, and global warming. Climate change can impact the annual rainfall and cause prolonged drought. In the recent NWN report, the extreme drought in the Amazon caused the ancient rock formations and carvings due to low water levels.
According to a report, the Amazon forest can suffer from possible large-scale ecosystem collapse by 2050 due to different stressors, including the following:
- Drought
- Climate change
- Deforestation
- Fire or wildfires
- Rising temperatures
The research findings were published in Nature Journal. The alarming decline of the Amazon forest has impacted the forest's resilience to changing climate conditions. Researchers estimated that unexpected consequences could unfold by 2025 due to compounding disturbances.
"We are approaching a potential large-scale tipping point, and we may be closer (both at local scales and across the whole system) than we previously thought," Bernardo Flores, of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, said, as quoted in an AFP report published in Phys.org.
Climate change can impact the annual rainfall and cause prolonged drought. In the recent NWN report, the extreme drought in the Amazon caused the ancient rock formations and carvings due to low water levels.
With many residents dependent on Amazon forests, it can damage the economy, transportation and livelihood, making it more challenging for communities to survive.
Also Read: Climate Change-Induced Drought Impacts Global Water Security, New Report Shows
Amazon and Importance for Conservation and Biodiversity
NWN reported that regrowing Amazon forests will help mitigate climate change and prevent biodiversity loss. With increasing deforestation, forest restoration can save trees and many species from decline.
The findings can be found in Environmental Research Letters. The findings revealed that secondary forests are significant to growing old-growth forests in the region.
Improving tree resilience or quality can make it stronger to live against global warming and climate change effects. It is also beneficial to the environment by protecting Amazon from collapse.
Forests serve as home to many species, and regrowing of trees is crucial to their habitats and survival as many trees have suffered from wildfires and deforestation.
Related Article: Amazon Extreme Drought Exposes Ancient Dozens of Rock Formations, Carvings
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