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CNN
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Human activity and extreme drought is causing far more damage to the Amazon rainforest than previously thought, exacerbating climate change, according to a new study.
While many climate studies focus on Amazon deforestation – where trees are completely cleared and land use changes – this study looks at “degradation.” This is when the rainforest becomes damaged and weakened, undermining its ability to store carbon and support nature and local communities.
Up to 38% of remaining rainforest – an area of 2.5 million square kilometers, equivalent to 10 times the size of the UK – has been damaged by human activity and drought, according to the report.
This is happening as some scientists warn the Amazon is approaching a critical tipping point, which could see the forest release huge amounts of carbon pollution and accelerate climate change.
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