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Exploring the mystery of the Amazon: Why is it called the lungs of the earth?
The Amazon rainforest, this rich tropical rainforest, is not only the largest ecosystem in South America, it is also known as the "lungs" of the earth. The trees and plants here absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which are crucial to maintaining global climate and ecological balance. However, with the increase in human activities, the Amazon rainforest is facing serious challenges.
The Amazon rainforest covers an area of 7 million square kilometers, and its forest coverage area is 6 million square kilometers, involving 9 countries and 3,344 indigenous territories.
This forest is not only the largest tropical rainforest on Earth, it is also one of the most biologically diverse areas. It is estimated that there are 390 billion trees in the Amazon rainforest, with about 16,000 tree species, and more than 30 million people living in it, including as many as 350 different ethnic groups. However, with deforestation, this natural treasure is declining dramatically.
Currently, the Amazon's forest coverage has been reduced to 20%, and 6% of the area has been "highly degraded."
The history and culture of the rainforest
The name of the Amazon comes from the Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana. When he was fighting local tribes, he was reminded of the Amazons in Greek mythology because of the female warriors. History shows that humans in the Amazon began to settle as early as 11,200 years ago, and signs of late prehistoric human habitation appeared in the surrounding areas as early as 1250 AD.
Archaeological research points out that although the soil of the Amazon rainforest is not suitable for large-scale agriculture, the lifestyle of early human societies was quite complex.
Biodiversity
As the world's richest biodiversity hotspot, the Amazon rainforest is home to more than 40,000 plant species, 2,000 bird species and many other animal species. The ecosystem here not only provides livelihoods for local humans, but also plays an important role in the stability of the global climate.
The Amazon rainforest is home to a large number of insects and other invertebrates, with an estimated 1 billion invertebrates per hectare.
Environmental challenges and logging issues
Unfortunately, the Amazon rainforest is suffering unprecedented levels of logging and ecological destruction. Unlike previous sustainable uses, current logging is mostly for agricultural and livestock benefits. According to the latest report, the area of deforestation in the Amazon reached a 15-year peak in 2021, which has had a serious impact on the rainforest ecosystem.
Scientific research shows that the vitality of the Amazon is weakening, and if this destruction continues, it will eventually be unable to restore its original appearance.
The future under the influence of climate change
As climate change intensifies, the ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest is also affected. The dry climate puts forests at risk from fires. Data in 2019 show that fires in the Amazon have increased dramatically, with more than half of the fires concentrated here.
These fires not only destroy large numbers of trees, but also further exacerbate the loss of biodiversity and affect the local carbon dioxide absorption capacity.
Efforts to protect the Amazon
In response to increasingly serious environmental problems, environmental organizations and governments in various countries are making continuous efforts to protect this precious land. The World Bank recently released a report proposing a non-logging economic model to promote sustainable development in the Amazon.
Protecting the Amazon means protecting the ecological environment of the entire earth and paving the way for future development.
In this era of rapid change, the fate of the Amazon rainforest is closely related to global ecology. When we face challenges such as climate change, should we rethink our attitudes and behaviors towards the natural environment to ensure the sustainable survival of the Amazon and the health of the planet?
