Topic: Environment
A new study reveals that the central north Amazon is experiencing rapid growth in extreme temperatures and water stress. Researchers at Lancaster University found that this region, which was not previously considered most affected by climate change, has seen a 10% increase in extreme dry-season temperatures since 1981.
The central north Amazon, covering over 700,000 square kilometers (270,000 square miles), is an area of high forest cover, natural savannas, and important Indigenous territories. For decades, it was thought to be less affected by climate change compared to other parts of the Amazon. However, a recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment has found that this region is actually experiencing rapid growth in extreme temperatures and water stress.
The researchers used high-resolution temperature and rainfall data from satellites and local weather stations to identify dry seasons for each area of the Amazon. They also developed a new measure of water deficit that takes into account the effects of temperature on water loss. By analyzing data from 1981 to 2023, they found that the central north Amazon has seen an increase in extreme dry-season temperatures of at least 0.75°C per decade and more than 3.22°C since 1981.
This means that the region is experiencing some of the most extreme climate events in the world. The study's findings are concerning, as they suggest that if these rapid increases continue, they could push the Amazon past critical thresholds. This could have devastating consequences for the environment and local communities.
The researchers used two different methods to assess the rate of climate change: central tendency and extreme tendency. Central tendency emphasizes average rates of temperature and water deficit change across all years, while extreme tendency highlights the most exceptional years. By using both methods, they were able to get a more accurate picture of the changes happening in the Amazon.
The study's findings are particularly relevant given that the El Niño event of 2026 is expected to be one of the largest on record. This could lead to extremely high temperatures and droughts in the Amazon, just two years after the last major drought in 2024.
Why It Matters
This study matters because it highlights the urgent need for climate action in the Amazon region. The consequences of inaction could be catastrophic, affecting not only the environment but also local communities and their livelihoods.
Key Facts
- The central north Amazon covers over 700,000 square kilometers (270,000 square miles).
- The region has seen a 10% increase in extreme dry-season temperatures since 1981.
- The study used high-resolution temperature and rainfall data from satellites and local weather stations to identify dry seasons for each area of the Amazon.
- The researchers developed a new measure of water deficit that takes into account the effects of temperature on water loss.
- The El Niño event of 2026 is expected to be one of the largest on record, which could lead to extremely high temperatures and droughts in the Amazon.
Key Terms
- El Niño
- A natural climate phenomenon that occurs when there is an abnormal warming of the ocean waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
- Climate change
- The gradual increase in the Earth's average temperature due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
- Water deficit
- A measure of the difference between the amount of water available and the amount needed by plants and ecosystems.
Implications
This study matters because it highlights the urgent need for climate action in the Amazon region. The consequences of inaction could be catastrophic, affecting not only the environment but also local communities and their livelihoods.
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