How Climate Change is Causing Amazon Rainforest Trees to Grow Taller and Thicker

The Amazon rainforest is changing. Recent research shows that the average size of trees there is increasing as levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) rise. This means bigger trees are becoming crucial for the forest’s role in absorbing carbon.

A team from the RAINFOR Amazon Forest Inventory Network, led by Adriane Esquivel-Muelbert at the University of Cambridge, studied tree sizes in 188 plots across the Amazon. Their measurements span periods of up to 30 years. During this time, CO2 concentrations increased by nearly 20%. They found that tree diameters grew, on average, by about 3.3% every decade.

Esquivel-Muelbert highlighted that larger trees can store more carbon than smaller ones. “What we’re observing is an increase in the average size of trees, which means they can absorb more carbon,” she explained, referencing findings reported by New Scientist.

Rebecca Banbury Morgan from the University of Bristol noted a clear trend: “We have more big trees and fewer small ones. The overall average size is now leaning toward larger trees.” This shift suggests that the structure of the Amazon is evolving.

The faster growth of these trees is likely fueled by the rising CO2 levels, acting as a kind of natural fertilizer. However, the loss of large trees could pose a serious threat to the ecosystem. Peter Etchells from Durham University added a cautious note: while increased growth is promising, questions remain about what will happen as climate change continues to progress. “Will this growth trend persist as factors like temperature and nutrients shift?” he pondered.

Changes in the Amazon are not just about trees. According to a study from the World Wildlife Fund, deforestation in the Amazon has led to a 20% decrease in biodiversity. This decline threatens countless species that rely on this vital habitat.

As we keep an eye on the Amazon, it’s essential to understand its ongoing transformations. Increased tree size is one part of a broader conversation about climate health, biodiversity, and the urgent need for conservation.

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Amazon, forest, Tree, CO2, Rainforest