“Our findings revealed how the Amazon forest system could enter a phase of self-reinforced collapse sooner than previously thought.”Previous studies had not predicted a collapse of this scale could happen in the 21st century.
“The Amazon forest is a major pump of moisture into the atmosphere, contributing to circulation processes that transfer moisture across the globe,” Flores said.
Douglas Magno/AFP/Getty ImagesThe authors of the study noted that water stress was a common factor in the disturbances to the Amazon.
Water stress occurs when there is not enough water to meet human or ecological needs.
Global warming is intensifying the effects of water stress by causing the Amazonian climate to become drier and warmer.
Persons:
“, ” Bernardo Flores, ”, ” Flores, Douglas Magno, Richard Allan, Flores
Organizations:
CNN, Federal University of Santa, Paraguay —, South, Getty, Science, University of Reading
Locations:
Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil, South America, Bolivia, Paraguay, Plata, Labrea, Amazonas, AFP