Carbon loss from forest degradation exceeds that from deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon
CIAIS, Philippe
Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement [Gif-sur-Yvette] [LSCE]
ICOS-ATC [ICOS-ATC]
< Reduce
Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement [Gif-sur-Yvette] [LSCE]
ICOS-ATC [ICOS-ATC]
Language
en
Article de revue
This item was published in
Nature Climate Change. 2021-05, vol. 11, n° 5, p. 442-448
Nature Publishing Group
English Abstract
Spatial–temporal dynamics of aboveground biomass (AGB) and forest area affect the carbon cycle, climate and biodiversity in the Brazilian Amazon. Here we investigate interannual changes in AGB and forest area by analysing ...Read more >
Spatial–temporal dynamics of aboveground biomass (AGB) and forest area affect the carbon cycle, climate and biodiversity in the Brazilian Amazon. Here we investigate interannual changes in AGB and forest area by analysing satellite-based annual AGB and forest area datasets. We found that the gross forest area loss was larger in 2019 than in 2015, possibly due to recent loosening of forest protection policies. However, the net AGB loss was three times smaller in 2019 than in 2015. During 2010–2019, the Brazilian Amazon had a cumulative gross loss of 4.45 Pg C against a gross gain of 3.78 Pg C, resulting in a net AGB loss of 0.67 Pg C. Forest degradation (73%) contributed three times more to the gross AGB loss than deforestation (27%), given that the areal extent of degradation exceeds that of deforestation. This indicates that forest degradation has become the largest process driving carbon loss and should become a higher policy priority.Read less <
English Keywords
carbon cycle
Brazilian Amazon forest
climate and biodiversity
Origin
Hal imported