Introduction
The Amazon rainforest is a vital component in the fight against global warming. However, recent data highlights that nearly 40% of its most crucial areas remain unprotected (link).
Unprotected Areas
These unprotected areas are located primarily in the far southwest of the Amazon in Peru and the far northeast in Brazil, French Guiana, and Suriname. These regions are home to the densest trees and most continuous canopy cover, storing significant amounts of carbon.
Satellite Data Insights
Amazon Conservation used satellite data to analyze these regions, revealing that 61% of peak carbon areas are protected, leaving the rest without official designation.
Why Protecting the Amazon Matters
The Amazon holds approximately 71.5 billion tonnes of carbon. Its role as a carbon sink is crucial, as its transformation into an emission source could have catastrophic effects on global climate.
Conclusion
Protecting these vital areas is essential for maintaining the Amazon’s role in climate regulation. The data serves as a roadmap for identifying and preserving the most pristine parts of the rainforest.
Comments are closed