Like everywhere else in the world today, the Amazon is also a place that is feeling the effects of climate change. Here, there are tens of thousands of plant species alone at risk of being destroyed by the effects of global warming. However, a new study carried out by researchers suggests that the more diverse a forest is, the better chance it has of adapting to climate change. They discovered that as some trees are killed off by climate change, others that are more suited to deal with the new conditions are created in their place.
Previous models have been used to demonstrate the effects that climate change may have on the Amazon, but many do not consider the Amazon’s vegetation in enough detail. This new study carried out at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research expanded on some previous models that were out there. Led by Boris Sakschewski, the study involved creating an updated version of the model that was able to simulate the growth of trees and their individual characteristics. A series of simulations were then run through on both the new and older models to see how the diversity made a difference in forest responses when subjected to different climate conditions.
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Two scenarios were focused on in particular. The first was a “business-as-usual” approach that involved greenhouse gasses continuing to rise, resulting in higher temperatures and severe weather changes. The second focused on a more moderate approach where mitigation efforts were able to reduce the global carbon output. Results from the study proved that the most diverse forests were able to recover much better and more easily from dramatic climate changes. But, none of them could recover 100 percent.
Although some areas did show significant signs of recovery, there were still changes evident that might have an effect on animals and other organisms. One being that new species of plants became dominant in place of the old ones which may have been relied on as a food source for certain animals and organisms.
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But, further research is due to continue with scientists agreeing that better-reflecting diversity in Amazon models will give a more accurate look at how the forests will cope with the effects of climate change.
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