Almost half of the Amazon rainforest system in South America could reach a “tipping point” by 2050 as a result of rising temperatures and drought, researchers say in a new report.
“Once we cross this tipping point, maybe we cannot do anything anymore,” said lead author Bernardo Flores of Brazil’s University of Santa Catarina. “The forest will die by itself.” While there are several potential outcomes, “they’re all connected to the loss of biodiversity,” said co-author Marina Hirota of the University of Santa Catarina.
These outcomes include “savannization” of the rainforest, larger areas of degraded forest, or a proliferation of fire-tolerant species and open-canopy ecosystems.
Flores called for a “red alert” for the Amazon, and other experts are urging additional research to determine the most likely outcome for the rainforest.
