Brazil builds 'rings of carbon dioxide' to simulate climate change in the Amazon

The Amazon rainforest is often referred to as the “lungs of the planet” because it produces 20% of the world’s oxygen. However, it is also one of the most vulnerable ecosystems in the world due to deforestation and climate change. To better understand the impact of rising temperatures on the region, Brazilian researchers are simulating climate change by building “rings of carbon dioxide” around trees in the Amazon.

The rings, made of PVC pipes, pump carbon dioxide into the surrounding area to replicate the effects of climate change on the environment. By monitoring the trees’ response to increased carbon dioxide, researchers hope to gain insights into how future climate change will affect the Amazon’s ecosystems.

The project, led by the Brazilian National Institute of Amazonian Research, is expected to continue for at least five years. Researchers plan to use data collected from the rings to develop models that simulate the effects of climate change on the Amazon and predict how the region will respond in the future.

This innovative project is an important step forward in our understanding of the impact of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems. The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating our planet’s climate, and any damage or loss to this ecosystem could have devastating consequences for the entire planet. By better understanding how climate change will impact the Amazon, we can develop strategies to protect this vital ecosystem and mitigate the effects of climate change on a global scale.