The Amazon is one of the most important places on planet Earth, if not the most important, for life. It is home to the largest virgin forest in the world, plants that day after day absorb carbon dioxide and expel oxygen, the gas that we need so much to stay alive. But, Can it survive climate change?
In recent decades, the Amazon has faced deforestation at an alarming rate. Population growth has led to the construction of roads and the development of agricultural fields in areas that until recently were green wilderness. Furthermore, as the planet warms, rainfall patterns are changing, putting crops and the ecosystem as a whole at risk.
During the month of April, the rainfall was so intense that it caused significant damage: not only did the Mulato, Mocoa and Sangucayo rivers overflow (Putumayo Department, Colombia) causing 300 people to lose their livesBut have left 30 families without sustenance for six months because the collection of the Amazon nut has declined by 80%, according to Analiz Vergara of the Amazon Coordination Unit (WWF LAC) Green Efe.
These episodes of natural disasters could become increasingly frequent in the future. The temperature in the Amazon is expected to rise 3ºC by the end of the century, which will cause drastic changes in the cycle that regulates South America's climate. The consequences are multiple: extinction of species, increase in forest fires, droughts and floods.
Preserving the Amazon is vital. If its ecosystems are properly conserved, the rainforest may be able to adapt and survive these challenges. However, if deforestation and invasions continue, the rainforest is likely to face serious challenges recovering from the damage inflicted.
Importance of the Amazon in the global climate balance
The Amazon, often called the "lungs of the planet," plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate. It consumes large amounts of carbon dioxide, which contributes to mitigating climate change. The rainforest, in addition to being a vast carbon sink, produces a significant amount of oxygen and is home to thousands of animal and plant species.
The region is critical to the balance of water cycles, affecting precipitation on multiple continents. By maintaining humidity, the Amazon is responsible for generating "flying rivers" that transport water vapor and create rainfall patterns not only in South America but also in other regions of the planet. Preserving these patterns is essential for survive climate change.
The threat of deforestation and climate change
Deforestation is one of the most serious threats facing the Amazon today. Human activities, such as indiscriminate logging, intensive agriculture, and mining, have reduced the forest's capacity to absorb carbon, which in turn contributes to the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. A report indicates that deforestation in the Amazon region emitted more than 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide between 2000 and 2012.
Furthermore, climate change is altering rainfall patterns, causing longer and more severe droughts. The combination of these two forces negatively impacts local ecosystems and puts the existence of endangered species at risk. Today, many areas of the Amazon have ceased to be carbon sinks and have become carbon sources due to the enormous amount of emissions resulting from deforestation and vegetation loss.
Recent disasters as indicators of the future
The Brazil nut tragedy in northern Bolivia is a clear example of how climate change affects communities. This year, 30,000 families were left without support for six months because the Amazon nut harvest declined by 80%. Meanwhile, in Colombia, entire neighborhoods in Mocoa were swept away by floods, taking with them more than 300 human livesThese events demonstrate the close link between climate change and social vulnerability. These natural disasters are indicative of an uncertain and complex future.
Climate models suggest that if the global average temperature continues to rise, the Amazon will be irreversibly affected. With declining rainfall and an increase in the frequency of wildfires, the future of this unique ecosystem is at stake, as well as that of the millions of people who depend on it. To better understand the effects, it is crucial to consider how the Climate change impacts agriculture.
Solutions and the path to sustainability
The question many are asking is, what can be done to save the Amazon? The solutions are diverse and require collaboration at various levels, from local governments to the international community. Reforestation and conservation projects have been implemented, as well as environmental protection policies that seek to reduce deforestation and promote the sustainable use of resources.
The GCF-Vision Amazonia Project in Colombia is an example of how local and international cooperation can lead to positive results. This project not only helps reduce deforestation but also promotes sustainable economic development for local communities, integrating their ancestral knowledge with new forest management techniques, something that is vital for the Amazon conservation.
At the individual level, consumers also play a fundamental role. Choosing sustainable products, supporting reforestation, and being aware of the impact of the products we consume are actions that make a difference. reduction in meat consumption, for example, helps reduce pressure on the Amazon forests, as livestock farming is one of the main drivers of deforestation in the region. Understanding the plant adaptations is also relevant in this context.
Conserving the Amazon also means protecting the Indigenous communities that have lived in harmony with these ecosystems for generations. Respecting and strengthening their rights to land and natural resources is vital to ensuring the preservation of the forest. Protecting Indigenous territories not only benefits these peoples but is also key to preserving biodiversity and the global climate.
The role of public policies
Public policies are essential for protecting the Amazon. A comprehensive approach is required that includes the active participation of local communities, the implementation of laws that restrict deforestation, and the promotion of sustainable practices. It is essential that the population has access to education and resources that enable them to sustainably manage their lands.
The countries of the Amazon region must work together to establish agreements that protect the forest and encourage its restoration. This includes developing economic incentives for those who practice forest conservation and reduce logging. Promoting economic alternatives, such as ecotourism, can offer new income opportunities for communities, while protecting the natural wealth of the Amazon. The need to create sustainable cities is becoming increasingly evident.
Challenges and expectations for the future
Despite these efforts, the situation in the Amazon remains critical. Engaging the international community in the fight against climate change and deforestation is crucial to achieving real change. Collaboration between nations, transparent policies, and the political will to implement radical changes are essential to reverse the damage caused.
It is estimated that between 10% and 47% of the Amazon forests are threatened due to the combination of deforestation and climate change. As deforestation accelerates, the impacts on the ecosystem and the communities that depend on it will become more severe. The Amazon is not only vital for biodiversity but also for the well-being of millions of people who live in and around the forest.
The Amazon's survival in the face of climate change depends largely on our collective actions. Global awareness and pressure to implement effective policies are essential to stabilize the climate and protect one of the world's most precious ecosystems. The Amazon has the capacity to regenerate, but it requires a significant collaborative effort to reverse current trends of destruction and foster long-term sustainability.
