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Rainforests Now Fueling Climate Breakdown
28 Nov
Summary
- All three major rainforest regions now contribute to climate breakdown.
- African forests became a carbon source since 2010.
- Human activity, like farming and mining, drives forest loss.
The world's three primary rainforest regions, including Africa's formerly carbon-absorbing forests, have transitioned into contributors to climate breakdown. This alarming change, occurring since 2010, signifies a major setback in the global effort to stabilize the climate. Human activities such as expanding agriculture, infrastructure projects, and mining are the principal causes behind this degradation.
Research indicates that African forests lost approximately 106 billion kg of biomass annually between 2010 and 2017, with tropical moist broadleaf forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar being particularly affected. Satellite data and machine learning revealed that while Africa gained carbon between 2007 and 2010, subsequent widespread forest loss has reversed this, making the continent a net emitter.
This situation underscores the urgent need to halt deforestation and protect vital natural carbon sinks. Initiatives like Brazil's Tropical Forest Forever Facility aim to mobilize significant funding for forest protection by compensating countries to preserve their forests. However, greater international investment is required to counteract deforestation drivers and effectively safeguard these crucial ecosystems.
