Why in the news?

  • A new study revealed that the trees in Amazon rainforests are getting bigger owing to the climate change phenomenon.

Amazon Rainforests

  • Location: Spans across 9 countries in South America (largest portion in Brazil, ~60%).
  • Size: ~6.7 million sq. km; largest tropical rainforest in the world.
  • Rivers: Drained by the Amazon River
  • Ecological Significance:
    • Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to ~10% of world’s known species; includes jaguars, pink dolphins, anacondas, harpy eagles, and countless endemic plant species.
    • Carbon Sink: Absorbs ~2 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually, crucial for climate regulation.
    • Oxygen Production: Produces ~20% of the world’s oxygen (called “Lungs of the Earth”).
    • Hydrological Cycle: Generates 50–75% of its own rainfall via evapotranspiration, influencing global weather systems.
  • Socio-Economic Importance:
    • Indigenous Communities: ~400 indigenous groups rely on forest resources for livelihood and culture.
    • Economic Uses: Timber, medicinal plants, fruits, nuts, fisheries, and eco-tourism.
    • Global Trade: Source of rubber, cocoa, and other commodities.
  • Threats:
    • Deforestation: Agriculture (soybean, cattle ranching), logging, mining, and infrastructure projects.
    • Climate Change: Risk of “tipping point” – transition from rainforest to savanna ecosystem.
    • Fires: Human-induced and climate-driven forest fires.
    • Illegal Activities: Gold mining, wildlife trafficking.
  • Conservation Initiatives:
    • Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO, 1995) – regional collaboration among Amazonian countries.
    • UN-REDD+ Programme – incentivises reducing emissions from deforestation.
    • Brazil’s Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Deforestation in the Amazon (PPCDAm).
    • International Pressure – G7 pledges, EU deforestation-free trade rules, etc.