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17 July 2021.
Introduction:
The science journal NATURE published a study which states that parts of Amazon rainforest are emitting more carbon dioxide than they absorb.
Highlights
Study was conducted by making 600 flights over four areas of Amazon. It was led by researchers from Brazil National Institute for Space Research to collect data on amount of carbon dioxide present in atmosphere.
- As per research, role of Amazon rainforest as a carbon sink appears to be in decline. This could devastate the ecosystem and is a troubling sign for fight against climate change.
- Changes in Amazon are being driven by factors such as deforestation, wildfires, and climate change.
- According to study, four areas were emitting 410 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. Emissions were the result of fires, often set intentionally by humans.
- Four regions absorbed roughly 120 million metric tons of carbon. Thus, sections of Amazon were giving off 290 million metric tons as net emissions.
About Amazon Rainforest
- Alternatively called as Amazon jungle or Amazonia, is a moist broadleaf tropical rainforest in Amazon biome covering major portion of Amazon basin in South America. About 5,500,000 km2 areas are covered by rainforest.
- Territory in this region belongs to nine nations. Majority of forest is contained within Brazil (60% of rainforest).
- It is followed by Peru (13%), Colombia (10%,) and rest in Bolivia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana and Venezuela. Amazon represents half of Earth’s remaining rainforests and comprises largest & most biodiverse tract of tropical rainforest worldwide.
- About 390 billion individual trees are divided into 16,000 species.