image: The proximity and relation of people, forest and climate is illustrated in this view of the outskirts of Manaus, Brazil, in central Amazonia. Bridge over the Negro River can be seen in the background. view more
Credit: Image courtesy of the AmazonFACE Project.
In a Perspective, Researchers reviewed studies supporting the Amazon forest dieback (AFD) hypothesis, which predicts a climate-driven shift of the region's rainforests, and report that with no further action, the estimated cost of socioeconomic damages to the region over 30 years after AFD is around $957-3,589 billion, with the estimated cost of preemptive action being $64.2-122 billion, a figure substantially lower than estimated damages; however, the authors note, though the effectiveness of the recommended measures to avoid AFD, including curbing deforestation, remains uncertain, adaptation actions are likely to be beneficial even in the absence of AFD.
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Article #17-21770: "Limiting the high impacts of Amazon forest dieback with no-regrets science and policy action," by David M. Lapola et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: David M. Lapola, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, BRAZIL; tel: +5519998796100; e-mail: dmlapola@unicamp.br
Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences