What's Happening: El Niño and Tropical Forests
With the forecast of a strong El Niño in 2026-2027, scientists are warning about the possible impacts on tropical forests. Recent research shows that these forests, which act as carbon sinks, may fail to fulfill this role during the phenomenon. Additionally, studies point out that heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, can affect the photosynthesis of tropical vegetation.
Tropical forests absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis and convert it into biomass. However, the balance between photosynthesis and respiration is delicate and depends on two factors: temperature and water availability. In hotter and drier conditions, such as those created by El Niño, plants close the pores on their leaves to avoid water loss, which deprives plants of the carbon needed for photosynthesis and growth.
Why it Matters: Risks to Climate and Biodiversity
Prolonged climate stress during El Niño years can lead to reduced forest growth and increased tree mortality. This has lasting effects, as carbon is released back into the atmosphere when dead trees decompose. Additionally, heatwaves can affect the ability of forests to absorb carbon, which can have significant implications for the global climate.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) showed that heatwaves caused 57 million hectares of tropical forests to exceed photosynthesis limits, affecting their carbon absorption capacity. This number can almost double by 2100, reaching 160 million hectares, an area larger than South Africa.
The Science Behind the Phenomenon: How El Niño Affects Tropical Forests
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when the surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean increases above average. This can lead to changes in precipitation and temperature patterns worldwide. Tropical forests are particularly sensitive to these changes, as they depend on specific climate conditions to grow and develop.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert solar energy into chemical energy. However, in hotter and drier conditions, plants can close the pores on their leaves to avoid water loss, which can reduce the rate of photosynthesis. Additionally, heatwaves can damage the proteins that drive photosynthesis, reducing the ability of plants to absorb carbon.
Bigger Picture: How El Niño Fits into the Climate Change Framework
El Niño is just one of many factors that contribute to climate change. Changes in precipitation and temperature patterns worldwide can have significant implications for biodiversity and ecosystems. Additionally, heatwaves and drought can affect the ability of forests to absorb carbon, which can have implications for the global climate.
It's essential to consider El Niño in the broader context of climate change. Changes in precipitation and temperature patterns worldwide can have significant implications for biodiversity and ecosystems. Additionally, heatwaves and drought can affect the ability of forests to absorb carbon, which can have implications for the global climate.
What's Next: Implications and Challenges for the Future
It's crucial to monitor climate conditions and the impacts of El Niño on tropical forests. Additionally, it's essential to develop strategies to mitigate the effects of heatwaves and drought on forests. This can include implementing sustainable management practices, restoring degraded areas, and protecting areas of high biodiversity.
Furthermore, it's essential to consider the implications of El Niño for global climate policy. Changes in precipitation and temperature patterns worldwide can have significant implications for biodiversity and ecosystems. It's crucial to develop policies that consider these implications and promote resilience and adaptation to climate change.
Conclusion: The Challenge of Protecting Tropical Forests
El Niño is a significant challenge for tropical forests and the global climate. It's essential to monitor climate conditions and the impacts of El Niño on tropical forests. Additionally, it's crucial to develop strategies to mitigate the effects of heatwaves and drought on forests.
It's essential to consider the implications of El Niño for global climate policy. Changes in precipitation and temperature patterns worldwide can have significant implications for biodiversity and ecosystems. It's crucial to develop policies that consider these implications and promote resilience and adaptation to climate change.
Source / Reference
Original URL: https://climainfo.org.br/2026/07/19/florestas-tropicais-podem-deixar-de-ser-sumidouros-de-carbono-com-el-nino/
Source Name: ClimaInfo