What's Happening?
The Amazon is facing a new El Niño, a climate phenomenon that can have devastating consequences for the largest tropical forest on the planet. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events are putting the Amazon under strong climate stress, leaving it unable to fully recover from the extreme phenomena of recent years.
A study published in the journal PNAS estimates that about 53% of the intact areas of the Amazon affected by the drought observed in the last El Niño, between 2023 and 2024, are not expected to recover even after seven years of the extreme climate event. This is the maximum time the forest has taken to recover from such episodes in the last 30 years.
Why Does it Matter?
The Amazon is a fundamental ecosystem for the planet, producing about 20% of the oxygen we breathe and housing a vast biodiversity. The loss of biomass and the reduction of the ability to recycle water and maintain the original microclimatic characteristics can have serious consequences for the global climate and life on Earth.
Furthermore, the Amazon is home to millions of people, including indigenous and riverine communities, who depend on the forest for their subsistence. The degradation of the Amazon can lead to the loss of their lands, cultures, and ways of life.
The Mechanism Behind El Niño
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when the surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean increases, affecting atmospheric circulation and leading to changes in rainfall and drought patterns around the world. However, the frequency and intensity of El Niños have increased due to climate change, making them more dangerous for the Amazon.
The drought caused by El Niño can lead to forest fires, which in turn release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. Additionally, the loss of biomass and the reduction of the ability to recycle water can affect the Amazon's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, making it a source of emissions instead of a sink.
Broad Context
The Amazon is already facing many challenges, including deforestation, mining, and intensive agriculture. The combination of these factors with the effects of El Niño can lead to irreversible degradation of the forest.
Furthermore, the Amazon is an important indicator of the state of the global climate. The degradation of the Amazon can be a sign that the planet is approaching a tipping point, after which climate change can become irreversible.
What Happens Next?
It is essential that governments and international organizations take urgent measures to protect the Amazon and mitigate the effects of El Niño. This can include implementing conservation policies, restoring degraded areas, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Additionally, it is crucial that the scientific community continues to monitor the situation in the Amazon and develop strategies to help the forest recover from the effects of El Niño. This can include conducting studies on the resilience of the Amazon and identifying areas that are more vulnerable to the effects of El Niño.
Conclusion
The Amazon is facing an unprecedented challenge with El Niño. It is essential that we take urgent measures to protect the forest and mitigate the effects of El Niño. The loss of the Amazon can have serious consequences for the global climate and life on Earth.
Source / Reference
Original URL: https://climainfo.org.br/2026/07/20/amazonia-enfrenta-novo-el-nino-sem-se-recuperar-de-efeitos-da-seca-de-2023-24/
Source Name: ClimaInfo