cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/28543694

An unexpected region of the Amazon is at the forefront of rapid growth in climate extremes, a new report reveals.

The central north Amazon, a region with extensive areas of high forest cover, natural savannas and vast indigenous territories, was not previously considered as being the most affected by climate change.

The report, launched to coincide with COP 30, the first COP to be held in the Amazon, identifies Amazonia as experiencing rapid growth in extreme temperatures and water stress – with 10% of the basin witnessing dry season increases in extreme temperatures of at least 0.77°C a decade and more than 3.31°C since 1981.

The findings reveal that climate extremes in the Amazon have been getting increasingly worse over the last 43 years. These changes are not apparent in assessments of average temperatures, which are rising at 0.21°C a decade and are in line with the global average warming.

Scientists fear that if these rapid increases in incidence of climate extremes continue it could risk pushing the Amazon past critical thresholds.

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