Trees in the Amazon rainforest absorb more carbon than previously estimated, according to a study in the journal Global Change Biology. Analyzing data from a 30-year experiment featuring over 100,000 trees, researchers found that these plants absorb an average of 0.85 tons of carbon annually, 16% more than previous estimates of 0.73 tons. The growth rate of the trees has increased by 1.3% per year, meaning they store more carbon, positioning the forest as a vital carbon sink. Given the forest’s importance in mitigating climate change, it is necessary to control forest fires, deforestation, and limit the impacts of climate change.

Amazon Rainforest Trees Absorb More Carbon Than Previously Thought

The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth, covering an area of over 7 million square kilometers, spreading across nine countries in South America. It is also widely known as the ‘lungs of the earth,’ as it produces 20% of the oxygen we breathe and plays a crucial role in stabilizing the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Recently, a study has found that Amazon rainforest trees absorb more carbon than previously thought, which is excellent news for the efforts to mitigate climate change.

New Study on Amazon Rainforest Trees

The study, published in the journal ‘Global Change Biology,’ analyzed the data of more than 100,000 trees in the Amazon Basin, collected through a 30-year experiment. The researchers found that the trees in the Amazon rainforest absorb an average of 0.85 tons of carbon per year, which is 16% more than the previous estimate of 0.73 tons of carbon. The study also found that the growth rate of the trees has increased by 1.3% per year, which means they are absorbing more carbon, and hence, the forest is acting as a significant carbon sink.

One of the most interesting findings of the study is that the trees in the Amazon rainforest continue to absorb carbon, even as they age, contrary to the previous belief that the rate of carbon absorption decreases as the trees mature. The researchers suggest that this is because the older trees replace the carbon stored in the dead tissue, such as leaves and roots, with newly grown tissue, providing a continuous sink of carbon.

How Does This Benefit the Global Climate?

The study’s findings have significant implications for the efforts to mitigate climate change as the Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. The increase in the rate of carbon absorption by the trees indicates that the forest is still capable of storing more carbon and can act as a significant buffer against the greenhouse effect. The study’s lead author, Dr. Adriane Esquivel-Muelbert, said that “As carbon storage is key to mitigating climate change, it is essential that we understand the dynamics of these forests and how they change over time, something which our network of forest plots enables us to do.”

However, the Amazon rainforest faces several threats, including deforestation, forest fires, and climate change, which can affect its ability to absorb carbon. The researchers warn that to ensure the forest’s sustainability, it is necessary to control these activities and protect the area.

FAQs

Q. What is the Amazon rainforest?

A. The Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world and is located in South America.

Q. Why is the Amazon rainforest important?

A. The Amazon rainforest produces 20% of the world’s oxygen and plays a significant role in stabilizing the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Q. How do trees absorb carbon?

A. Trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, where they use sunlight to convert CO2 into organic compounds and release oxygen in the process.

Q. What are the threats to the Amazon rainforest?

A. The Amazon rainforest faces several threats, including deforestation, forest fires, and climate change, which can affect its ability to absorb carbon.

Q. Why is the new study on Amazon rainforest trees significant?

A. The study found that the Amazon rainforest trees absorb more carbon than previously thought, indicating that the forest is still capable of storing more carbon and can act as a significant buffer against the greenhouse effect.

Q. What can we do to protect the Amazon rainforest?

A. We can protect the Amazon rainforest by reducing deforestation and forest fires, promoting sustainable development, and supporting conservation efforts.