A new study reveals that more than a third of the Amazon rainforest is struggling to recover from drought, indicating a concerning “critical slowing down” of this vital ecosystem. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that repeated dry spells, exacerbated by human-disrupted climate change, have intensified strains on the rainforest’s vegetation.
Analysis of satellite images from 2001 to 2019 reveals a 37% decline in the resilience of mature vegetation across the Amazon region. Droughts, particularly in the south-east, have become more intense and frequent, hindering the forest’s ability to bounce back. The study highlights that both the frequency and intensity of droughts contribute to stability loss, with drought intensity being the primary destabilizing factor.
Lead author Johanna Van Passel warns that the visible slowdown in forest recovery may indicate an impending tipping point towards a drier state. This is alarming considering the Amazon’s crucial role as the world’s largest terrestrial carbon sink, housing 15,000 tree species. Climate-induced changes, driven by human activities such as deforestation and fossil fuel combustion, are weakening the forest’s resilience.
The study underscores the urgent need for policymakers to protect remaining forests, Indigenous communities, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate further degradation. Van Passel emphasizes the importance of immediate action, stating, “We have all this information, now let’s act on it… I’m worried, but hopeful.”
