Amazon now emitting carbon instead of absorbing it for years

The Amazon, known as the world's largest tropical rainforest, had been absorbing man-made carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for years, but it is no longer functioning as a carbon sink. A new study has revealed shocking information that the Amazon is now releasing more carbon dioxide instead of absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.

According to a report by The Hindu, this situation has arisen due to deforestation and forest fires. In the year 2024, it was found that fire alone accounted for approximately 38 per cent of the causes of deforestation. Due to this process, forests are being destroyed and their natural capacity is decreasing.

To reach this conclusion, scientists used research aircraft at four different locations in the Amazon between 2010 and 2024. They measured CO2 levels at various altitudes of the atmosphere. Through this research, it has been found that the Amazon has now become a net carbon source instead of remaining a carbon sink.

According to scientists, the Amazon can no longer balance or offset regional man-made emissions. The forests that were once called the 'lungs of the Earth' have now lost their ability to absorb carbon and are posing a risk to the environment.