Amazon Faces 'Hypertropical State' With Extreme Droughts

Scientists warn that the Amazon rainforest is transitioning into a 'hypertropical state,' a climate condition not experienced for tens of millions of years. This hotter climate, potentially common by 2100, will bring more frequent and severe droughts. Such conditions could significantly increase tree mortality, jeopardizing the rainforest's crucial role in absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide.

The study indicates that by 2100, hot drought conditions might persist for up to 150 days annually. This poses a substantial risk to forest ecosystems, particularly to fast-growing trees with lower wood density. The cumulative impact of increased tree mortality could be catastrophic for the Amazon's long-term health and its function as a global carbon sink.

Preventing this drastic climate shift hinges on controlling greenhouse gas emissions. Experts stress that immediate action to reduce emissions is vital to mitigate the risks associated with emerging hypertropical conditions, which may also affect rainforests in western Africa and Southeast Asia. The Paris Agreement's goals to limit global temperature rise are presented as a critical framework for such action.