Amazon's

Stephanie N’GORAN
Zayed
Prisca
Amazon's
record drought
driven by
climate change
By Mark Poynting
Climate and environment researcher,
BBC News
INTRODUCTION
The Amazon rainforest, also known as the Amazonia, is the largest tropical rainforest in
the world, spanning approximately 5.5 million square kilometers across nine South
American countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. It harbors a remarkable
biodiversity, with over 40,000 plant species, 3,000 fish species, 1,294 bird species, 427
mammal species, 428 amphibian species, and 378 reptile species. The Amazon rainforest
plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate, producing oxygen, and conserving
biodiversity. It is often referred to as the "lungs of the planet" due to its ability to absorb
carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Additionally, it serves as a natural stronghold for
numerous endangered species and is home to approximately 10% of the world's animal
population. However, the Amazon rainforest faces threats such as deforestation, fires, and
climate change, which compromise its ability to act as a carbon sink and maintain its
critical role in limiting global warming.
CONTEXTUALIZATION
According to the article, the Amazon is

currently facing unprecedented
challenges. The region’s record
drought is jeopardizing its
biodiversity, people and ecosystem
services. Indeed, climate change
makes the Amazon more susceptible
to extreme weather events, such as
prolonged droughts, threatening its
ability to function as a balanced
ecosystem.
SOME DATA
CAUSES OF DRY
According to the article, the record drought in the Amazon was
influenced by natural factors such as El Niño and global warming. El
Niño, a natural weather phenomenon, has resulted in dry conditions in
South America by increasing sea surface temperatures in the East
Pacific Ocean, affecting global rainfall patterns, particularly in the
Amazon.
At the same time, man-made global warming has been identified as
the main driver of extreme drought, reducing the amount of water in
the soil in two main ways. First, the Amazon generally receives less
rainfall than before between June and November, the driest part of
the year, as the climate warms. Secondly, warmer temperatures mean
that there is more evaporation of plants and soils, so that they lose
more water. In addition, the impact of rapid deforestation has made
the Amazon more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.
Deforestation has limited the ability of the Amazon rainforest to
regulate climate and retain moisture, allowing temperatures to rise
and accentuating periods of drought. In addition, it has reduced the
forest’s ability to act as a carbon sink, thus releasing more CO2 into
the atmosphere and contributing to global warming
CONCERN FOR
THE FUTURE
The drought in the Amazon has become a major environmental,
economic and social problem. It is due to the increase in the
temperature of the Atlantic Ocean and the climatic phenomenon El
Niño, which warms the South American continent and creates a
drier climate in the Amazon. This is a concern as rivers are vital to
the region as a means of communication and food sources. Drought
also has economic consequences, disrupting river transport,
tourism, electricity supply and agricultural production. In addition,
drought worsens forest fires and could lead to deforestation-
induced savanisation, reducing rainfall in deforested areas. In
addition, drought worsens forest fires and could lead to
deforestation-induced savanisation, reducing rainfall in deforested
areas. Scientists warn that if drought becomes permanent due to
climate change, the Amazon could lose between a sixth and half of
its area, which would have dramatic consequences on biodiversity,
climate and local populations
MITIGATION
MEASURES
According to the article, deforestation in the Amazon was halved in
2023 compared to 2022, with a commitment to stop it completely by
2030. This decline in deforestation is encouraging progress that can
help protect what remains of the Amazon. However, it is stressed
that urgent measures are needed to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in order to fight global warming and protect the Amazon.
The preservation of the Amazon rainforest is crucial to maintain its
role as a carbon sink and biodiversity. Therefore, immediate action is
imperative to ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital region.
Thank
you very
much!

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Stephanie N’GORAN

According to the article, the Amazon is

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