A recent study by Amazon Conservation has revealed a concerning lack of protection for crucial areas of the Amazon rainforest. Despite their vital role in mitigating climate change, nearly 40% of these regions remain unprotected as either nature or indigenous reserves.
Located primarily in Peru and Brazil, these areas boast the densest trees and most continuous canopy cover. This means they store the most carbon, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. If destroyed through deforestation or fires, this stored carbon would be released into the atmosphere, exacerbating the climate crisis.
To analyze above-ground vegetation, Amazon Conservation used satellite technology. The Amazon also has significant underground carbon reserves.
The findings are alarming. Only 61% of the Amazon’s peak carbon areas are currently protected, leaving a substantial portion vulnerable to exploitation. In countries like Brazil, Suriname, and French Guiana, the situation is even more dire, with less than half of these critical areas designated for preservation.
Sure, here are the sentences in reduced length:
Furthermore, even in protected regions, threats like logging persist. A previous MAAP study found the Amazon holds 71.5 billion tonnes of carbon, twice 2022’s global CO2 emissions. This highlights the rainforest’s crucial role in fighting climate change.
While the Amazon has historically absorbed more carbon than it releases, there is growing concern that this balance may be shifting. Some research suggests that the rainforest is now emitting more carbon than it absorbs, a worrying sign for the planet’s future.
The urgent need for stronger conservation measures is undeniable. Protecting the Amazon’s remaining forests is not only essential for preserving biodiversity but also crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Reference- Reuters article, National Geographic, The Guardian, Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Project (MAAP) data analysis