Posted on 03/28/2021 2:14:06 AM PDT by Libloather
The Amazon rainforest may now emit more greenhouse gases than the famously lush ecosystem absorbs, according to new research.
Long considered to be a bulwark against climate change because of its capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, a new study suggests rising temperatures, increasing drought and rampant deforestation have likely overwhelmed the Amazon’s ability to absorb more greenhouse gases than it emits, reports Craig Welch for National Geographic.
The sobering findings appear in a new study published earlier this month in the journal Frontiers in Forests and Global Change that calculates, for the first time, the net emissions of greenhouse gases from both human and natural sources in the Amazon Basin, reports Liz Kimbrough for Mongabay.
A key distinction in appreciating the study’s findings is that they do not just concern carbon dioxide, according to Mongabay. Though carbon dioxide often gets top billing in discussions around climate change, there are many other significant greenhouse gases, including methane, nitrous oxide, aerosols and sooty black carbon.
So, while the Amazon still absorbs and stores a prodigious amount of carbon, its net greenhouse gas emissions have tipped from negative to positive - not just because its capacity to absorb carbon dioxide has been damaged by human activity, but also because the transforming landscape has increased emissions of these other greenhouse gases.
(Excerpt) Read more at smithsonianmag.com ...
Too much CO2?
CO2 becomes O2 through the chemical reactions that constitute photosynthesis. Photosynthesis requires sunlight.
Therefore, forests have more CO2 in their atmosphere at sunrise than they do at sunset.
Why don’t any “scientists” at NG know that?
Phytoplankton in the seas will be pleased to know it has less competition for that yummy carbon dioxide from the air. Fish must be smiling.
Only 9.82 years left, countdown to Agenda 2030.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.