Anthropogenic #CO2 emissions, combined with #deforestation and increased #human-caused ignitions have created the perfect storm for #megafires in the #Amazon #IPCC2014
Warmer temperatures as a result of increased #anthropogenic #CO2, #detorestation and increased #fire activity can cause #positive #feedbacks that push the #Amazon towards a #tippingpoint resulting in a shift from #rainforest to #savanna forests
A shift from #rainforest to #savanna ecosystems will have global consequences. The rainforest creates its own weather by recycling moisture from the jungle. The trees absorb #CO2 and release #oxygen, literally the air we breathe.
Although they do not sequester as much CO2, #Savanna ecosystems play a key role in protecting #rainforest boundaries, providing a buffer zone from drier more #fire-prone environments. Savanna ecosystems have been almost entirely neglected in management efforts.
The boundary between rainforest and savannas is called an #ecotone which can move in response to #ClimateChange and #FireActivity. The current rate of change may be too fast for the ecotone to respond.
Read more on Fire in the Rainforest Ecotone here: ecologyofthepast.info/2018/05/14/int…
@PaulRosolie we are working with Paleofire (past fire) in the Amazon to contextualise modern fire activity. May be of interest to you.
Clarification: While photosynthesis in the Amazon does produce oxygen, it is not the main concern of deforestation and modern fire activity. Read a great post by @GlobalEcoGuy
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