The Amazon rainforest is experiencing a remarkable growth in its largest trees. A recent study published in Nature Plants shows how these towering giants can absorb carbon dioxide, which helps combat climate change. This research is encouraging because it suggests that mature, untouched forests are more resilient than we thought.
However, not all news is good. The researchers warn that the future of these vital trees is threatened by deforestation, wildfires, and land clearing for agriculture. Prof. Oliver Phillips from the University of Leeds emphasizes the need to protect these forests. “It’s encouraging news, but it comes with a big warning,” he says. Without stopping deforestation, our efforts might not count for much.
Brazil is currently planning to pave a major road, BR-319, threatening one of the last untouched forest areas. Meanwhile, Bolivia is rapidly clearing forests for soy and cattle farming.
Over the past 30 years, researchers from various universities examined changes across 188 study plots in the Amazon. They found that the diameter of tree trunks is increasing by about 3.3% every decade, especially among larger trees. This growth is linked to rising carbon dioxide levels caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels.
Some of the largest tree species, like Brazil nuts and kapoks, can reach heights of over 30 meters. They play a crucial role in the forest’s ecosystem, competing for light, water, and nutrients, which helps them grow and thrive.
While the Amazon’s best-protected areas are vital in the fight against climate change, they can’t solve the problem alone. Areas impacted by agriculture and infrastructure have shifted from being carbon sinks to carbon sources, meaning they release more carbon than they capture.
Isolated big trees face heightened risks from wind, fire, and drought. Researchers previously believed that large trees would perish faster due to rising temperatures. However, newer studies show that many of these trees have deep roots, allowing them to access water during dry spells.
Adriane Esquivel-Muelbert, one of the study’s authors from the University of Cambridge, highlights the importance of big trees. They make up only 1% of the forest’s trees but are responsible for 50% of carbon storage and water cycling. “When big trees die, the forest dries out significantly. Their recovery takes a long time, as they take years to grow,” she explains.
The news that these vital giants are growing in size and number offers a glimmer of hope, showing that parts of the Amazon can still bounce back. But significant action is needed to protect these forest giants and their ecosystems from looming threats.
For more on the impact of deforestation, check out this report on its global consequences.
