The Amazon Rainforest has faced large scale deforestation since the 1960s. The deforestation causes a lot of harm to the local ecosystems inside the rainforest. The long-term impact includes a change in rainfall patterns and loss of biodiversity.
Deforestation
The large-scale deforestation that the Amazon Rainforest is still under today is due to infrastructure development, cattle ranching, and farming. These practices have degraded the health of the rainforest, which could have huge implications for its sustainability in the future.
Rainfall Patterns
Deforestation affects rainforests uniquely. Once relatively dry seasons become much drier because of more mesoscale atmospheric circulation. The wetter seasons see much more precipitation due to decreasing evapotranspiration, which means that the regional climate becomes heavily inbalanced.
Wet Seasons
The affect of doforestation on wet seasons is localized and is not as heavily impactful away from deforested areas. The increased rainfall over these deforested regions can affect the water table and local wildlife that were once sheltered by the trees.
Dry Seasons
Dry seasons, which were already a challenge for some species, are becoming more dangerous as drought conditions become more prevalent. The decrease in moisture in the air leads to less rainfall, which has a huge impact on wildlife.
A Lose In Biodiversity
The Amazon Rainforest has some incredibly varied and unique species living inside its borders. As deforestation destroys habitats, animals have less space and die out. With less biodiversity, many different animals in the food chain are affected and may even face extinction.
Indigenous Communities
Indigenous people that live in the Amazon are also impacted heavily by deforestation. The rainforest has a deep connection with their culture, and their land must be protected for their sake and for the sake of the indigenous wildlife that is at risk.
Climate Change
Climate change is only exacerbated by deforestation, as carbon that’s stored by the trees is released into the atmosphere. With the loss of substantial carbon sinks, climate change accelerates, which has impacts on sea levels, and disastrous weather events.
Precipitation Recycling
The trees in the Amazon contribute to precipitation recycling, which the habitat relies heavily on. Deforestation means there are fewer trees to aid in precipitation recycling, which leads to less rainfall and a further ecological imbalance in the regions affected.
Beyond Local Impacts
Deforestation affects more than just local and isolated regions. The impacts can be seen as altered atmospheric circulation travels for miles. This means that more severe weather events can be jumpstarted, destroying more habitats and communities.
Decrease In Precipitation
Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest has a certain threshold. Once enough deforestation occurs, then rainfall decreases significantly. If researchers can find this threshold, then policies could be put in place to prevent irreversible damage.
Economic Consequences
Beyond environmental consequences, there are also economic risks tied to deforestation. The altered rainfall patterns can affect local agriculture practitioners like farmers. This would lead to food scarcity as crops suffer from drought conditions.
Addressing The Problems
The Amazon is likely to face a crisis as deforestation continues. The amazing ecosystems within must be protected through conservation efforts and future policy changes. The effects of deforestation must be mitigated in any way possible.
