How Climate Change is Pushing the Amazon Rainforest Toward a Critical Tipping Point

The Amazon rainforest, a lush and vital part of our planet, is facing a serious threat. Research suggests it could change into a dry savanna if current trends continue. This alarming possibility comes from a study in Geophysical Research Letters by European scientists who modeled the forest’s future. They looked at how deforestation and rising temperatures could push this massive ecosystem to a tipping point.

Coauthor Andrew Friend, a professor at the University of Cambridge, shared, “We are reasonably confident that such a shift is possible.” The model showed that even a 10% drop in rainfall from the Atlantic could start this transformation. If more than 65% of the forest is destroyed, the consequences could be irreversible.

This isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s also a political one. The Amazon is often called the “lungs of the Earth” because it absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen. Despite some recent reductions in deforestation, Brazil has lost forest cover equivalent to six New York Cities. The rise in deforestation was notable during Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency, highlighting a connection between policy and environmental health.

In other countries like Peru and Colombia, illegal logging is rampant. This adds to the challenge, as global warming continues to rise, pushing temperatures beyond the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

According to a recent study by the World Bank, around 70% of the Amazon’s original area remains intact, but it’s under increasing pressure. Experts argue that both climate change and deforestation must be tackled together in the next 10 to 20 years to maintain the forest’s health.

Friend warns, “Our understanding is far from complete. We might be wrong about how the system will respond to these threats, but it’s unwise to rely on that.” Action is essential to protect this vital ecosystem before it changes forever.

For more insights on climate issues, you can read about the potential collapse of human civilization in [this report](https://insideclimatenews.org/news/28012024/with-world-warming-scientists-warn-of-unrest-and-authoritarian-backlash).

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