Degrading Forests
Nearly half of plants and wildlife are found in rainforests, and they play an important role in reducing global carbon emissions. However, climate change has led to rainforests’ steady degradation. By 2050, it is predicted that temperatures in the Amazon will increase by 2-3 degrees Celsius.
World on Fire
These temperature changes in turn will cause mass droughts. Rainfall will decrease and forest fires will be much more destructive. With these extreme temperature changes also come food shortage and increased threat towards many species. As the climate changes, organisms will be forced to adapt; however, research shows that organisms will not be able to adapt fast enough. The good news is that coalitions such as the Tropical Ecology Assessment and Monitoring coalition have shown that creating protected habitats is very effective in saving these species. Supporting the creation and maintenance of these protected habitats is a sure way of helping these rainforests flourish.