This forest holds 150 billion metric tons of carbon. But deforestation and climate change are reducing its capacity and increasing emissions. We plant trees here because our global health depends on it.
Because of its immense carbon storage, this forest plays a significant role in stabilizing the global climate. Losing trees here could cause devastating warming. That’s why we’re focused on stopping deforestation and planting trees in this critical area to preserve environmental balance.
Why the Amazon River Basin Is A Priority
Sealing away carbon
Carbon in the atmosphere is the primary contributor to climate change. Trees pull carbon from the air and store it in their leaves, trunks, roots, and soil. In the Amazon River Basin, trees store more than 150 billion metric tons of carbon. That’s the equivalent of 15 to 20 years’ worth of global fossil fuel emissions.
Slowing climate change
When trees are lost or deforested, the carbon they held onto is released as they decompose. That carbon then traps heat in the atmosphere and warms the planet. Losing this forest would add more than 150 billion metric tons of carbon into the atmosphere and cause dangerous global warming. We need to plant to counteract the emissions of deforestation, and “sink” even more carbon.
Anchoring local climate
The forest in this region creates its own weather and produces enough moisture to generate most local rainfall. While full forest loss would be dangerous for the entire planet, the local community would see catastrophic warming and rainfall decline by up to 30%. Trees can simultaneously protect daily life locally and protect future generations globally.
Sustaining a critical watershed
Globally, the demand for freshwater will outstrip supply by 40% by the end of the decade. That’s why we need to preserve the Amazon Rainforest, where one-fifth of the world’s freshwater supply is produced. Planting trees helps the critical water supply stay intact.
Sheltering rare species
This forest houses 10% of the world’s known wildlife species. It’s an unmatched hotspot for biodiversity — and it’s not just about animals either. Several medications have been derived from plant species discovered in the Amazon, including the first effective treatment for malaria. Planting trees here can help protect this delicate habitat.
Empowering local land stewards
About 385 Indigenous groups live within the Amazon and research proves they are effectively managing and stewarding the forest. The land is culturally significant to Indigenous people and forests provide them crucial resources like food, water, and a means of income.
Current State
The Amazon has already lost 17% of its original tree cover. Scientific models indicate that if 40% of trees are lost, the forest will reach its “tipping point” and the land will naturally — and quickly — transition to a savanna grassland. Without significant reforestation, some parts of the Amazon could collapse by 2050.
That’s why the Arbor Day Foundation is working urgently across eight South American countries to protect and grow the forest in the Amazon River Basin.
Regional Threats and Challenges
A range of climate and human-caused challenges are pushing this critical ecosystem to the brink. Trees can help ensure the world’s most famous forest remains strong.
Tipping point
Experts expect that once 40% of trees are lost in the Amazon, it’ll quickly accelerate into total forest collapse. The land will adapt by becoming a degraded grassland, with far fewer abilities than a forest.
Deforestation
Deforestation is diminishing the carbon storage capacity of the region. If we don’t replace the trees being cut down, the forest won’t be large enough to store more carbon than it emits.
Severe drought
Rivers are drying up and Indigenous communities that rely on the waterways to earn an income and transport food and water are suffering major losses from the climate disaster. Trees planted here promote rainfall and hold moisture in the ground.
Frequent wildfires
Abnormally dry conditions make the area more susceptible to wildfires. Wildfires then exacerbate tree loss and emit carbon. Planting a diversity of tree species that range in age can make forests more resilient to fires. Trees can also bring critical rainfall to the area.
Threat to water supply
This region holds 20% of the world’s water supply. It’s a crucial resource that needs protecting, as experts predict demand for water will greatly out pace supply by 2030. Trees can stabilize water cycles and reintroduce rain to the region.
Our Work in the Amazon River Basin
We’ve made the Amazon River Basin one of our priority areas for reforestation because we understand how important this region is in the context of global health. We’ve already committed to planting more than 1.4 million trees here, with a focus on using those trees to create income opportunities for local residents. We prioritize engaging Indigenous and local communities to be part of the reforestation process to ensure the forest stays standing for many years to come.
Right Trees, Right Place, Right Reason
As a global nonprofit dedicated to planting trees, the Arbor Day Foundation is committed to nurturing crucial forestlands. We leverage cutting-edge science and data to identify ecosystems of global influence, like the Amazon River Basin. We use our exclusive forest priority index to elevate our impact through reforestation and mobilize our network of partners to help plant at the speed of a changing world.
Donate Today to Shape Tomorrow
The Amazon River Basin’s crucial carbon storage makes it one of the most important ecosystems on the planet. If this forest is at risk, so is our future. Join us as we meet the moment with trees and action.
