Amazon Wildfires Cut Carbon Absorption In Rainforest By 24%

Buzzline

New research reveals ozone pollution from wildfires in the Amazon reduces the rainforest’s carbon dioxide absorption by about 24% of the emissions caused by fires. Scientists from the University of Exeter, ETH Zurich, and James Cook University analyzed nearly 30 years of data, connecting ozone damage to major droughts intensified by El Niño events. This hidden carbon loss adds to direct fire emissions, particularly during record dry spells. A strong El Niño this year could increase the risk of further carbon uptake loss. Preventing deforestation may limit this impact. Disclosure: This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.

Transcript

00:00Ozone pollution from Amazon wildfires cuts the forest's carbon uptake by about 24% of the fire's own emissions.

00:07Researchers from the University of Exeter, Ethe 8 Zurich, and James Cook University warn this hidden loss worsens climate impacts.

00:16Wildfires release carbon dioxide directly, but also create ozone that harms surviving trees' leaves.

00:22This damage reduces their ability to absorb CO2 afterward, which means fires have a double climate effect.

00:29The study tracked nearly 30 years of droughts, fires, and ozone damage, finding the worst harm during El Nino years.

00:36The recent 2023-24 drought doubled ozone damage compared to the previous decade.

00:41A strong El Nino developing now could cause another spike in this hidden carbon loss.

00:47Most Amazon fires come from human land clearing, so cutting deforestation would reduce both fire emissions and ozone damage.

00:54This research shows air pollution, land use, and climate change are linked in shaping the Amazon's future.

01:00Disclosure

01:01This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.

Category

Transcript

Comments

Recommended