Science Quickly cover image

Science Quickly

This Researcher Captured Air from the Amazon in Dive-Bombs--And Found Grim Clues That the Forest Is Dying

Sep 22, 2023
A researcher captures air from the Amazon rainforest, finding alarming clues about its decline. They discuss measuring carbon dioxide levels, the impact of climate change and deforestation on the southern Amazon, and the urgent need to stop deforestation.
16:28

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Amazon rainforest is no longer acting as a carbon sink and is releasing carbon dioxide due to deforestation and climate change.
  • Deforestation in the eastern Amazon has reached alarming levels, impacting global climate patterns and disrupting the vital rain chain.

Deep dives

Deforestation and Declining Carbon Sink in the Amazon

The Amazon rainforest is experiencing widespread deforestation, resulting in a significant reduction in its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and act as a carbon sink. The aerial research conducted by climate researcher Luciano Gatti reveals that much of the eastern Amazon, particularly the southeastern region, is now releasing rather than absorbing carbon dioxide. The extended dry season, increased temperatures, and reduced rainfall due to climate change are causing stress on the forest, making it more susceptible to degradation. Rampant deforestation exacerbates the situation by creating hotter and drier conditions, encouraging fires and undermining the health of adjacent intact forest areas. If deforestation and climate change continue unchecked, the southern Amazon region could become inhospitable for many tree species, with potentially devastating consequences for carbon storage and the water cycle.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode