The Role of Tropical Rainforests in Climate Regulation

Tropical rainforests, characterized by their dense canopies and high biodiversity, play a pivotal role in regulating the global climate. These forests, particularly the Amazon, are critical for carbon capture, effectively storing as much carbon as all U.S. emissions historically. The removal of these trees leads to significant increases in atmospheric CO2, highlighting the urgency of protecting these ecosystems. With the Amazon accounting for approximately 10% of global biodiversity, the implications of deforestation extend beyond carbon regulation to encompass the potential loss of numerous species.