Amazon rainforest now emitting more CO2 than it absorbs

[marmar]

(Guardian UK) The Amazon rainforest is now emitting more carbon dioxide than it is able to absorb, scientists have confirmed for the first time.

The emissions amount to a billion tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, according to a study. The giant forest had previously been a carbon sink, absorbing the emissions driving the climate crisis, but is now causing its acceleration, researchers said.

Most of the emissions are caused by fires, many deliberately set to clear land for beef and soy production. But even without fires, hotter temperatures and droughts mean the south-eastern Amazon has become a source of CO2, rather than a sink.

Growing trees and plants have taken up about a quarter of all fossil fuel emissions since 1960, with the Amazon playing a major role as the largest tropical forest. Losing the Amazon’s power to capture CO2 is a stark warning that slashing emissions from fossil fuels is more urgent than ever, scientists said. ...........(more)

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/14/amazon-rainforest-now-emitting-more-co2-than-it-absorbs

[roamer65]

1. We need population reduction soon.

Time is running out.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

2. Republicans are trying!

It sure seems like their main motivation is killing more people, anyway.

[roamer65]

3. Yep.

Since they don’t believe in abortion or birth control, they prefer to use things like gun violence, nuclear war and biological agents.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

4. They need babies for the next generation...

... of low-wage earners to serve their corporate interests.

[roamer65]

5. There won't be many generations left soon.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

6. It's definitely looking bleak!

By the way, I was kidding earlier. I doubt Republicans can plan that far in advance, actually.

[roamer65]

7. That is completely correct.

Nihilists cannot plan.

[Binkie The Clown]

8. There goes the next big tipping point. Of course the region will become carbon neutral when...

...it becomes the Amazon desert.