Water and Carbon Case Studies Flashcards
Talk about the location of the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest spans approximately 5.5 million km², covering about 40% of South America.
Primarily Brazil (60%), with portions in Peru, Colombia, and other nations.
Talk about precipitation in the Amazon
The Amazon receives an average annual rainfall of 2,200 mm.
Talk about Evapotranspiration in the Amazon Rainforest
Approximately 67.6% of this rainfall returns to the atmosphere through ET, playing a crucial role in regional climate regulation.
Talk about moisture recycling in the Amazon Rainforest
Between 25–35% of the region’s precipitation is recycled via ET, sustaining the rainforest’s hydrological cycle.
What are the deforestation effects on the water cycle
The loss of tree cover leads to a 13% reduction in atmospheric water vapor, potentially causing a 55–70% decrease in annual precipitation.
Talk about drought effects in the amazon impact on the water cycle
Recent extreme droughts have been linked to decreased ET and altered precipitation patterns, exacerbating the risk of forest fires and biodiversity loss
Talk about the total carbon stock in the amazon rainforest
The Amazon stores approximately 123 billion tons of carbon in its biomass and soils.
Talk about above-ground biomass in the amazon rainforest
Dead trees, accounting for about 20% of above-ground biomass, release an estimated 1.9 billion tons of carbon annually through decomposition
Talk about the carbon sink to source transition
Traditionally, the Amazon acted as a carbon sink, absorbing around 2.2 billion tons of CO₂ each year
Due to increased deforestation and forest degradation, the Amazon now emits more CO₂ than it absorbs, releasing over 1 billion tons annually.
Why is deforestation large in the amazon
Agricultural expansion, particularly for cattle ranching and soy cultivation, is a primary cause of forest loss.
Good area as large expanse of land with fertile soils for farming.
Talk about emissions data from deforestation
Between 1985 and 2020, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon released over 31 billion tons of CO₂ equivalent, representing nearly 70% of emissions from forest loss in the Pan-Amazon region.
Talk about deforestation rates in the Amazon
In 2014, Brazil reported the destruction of 4,848 km² of rainforest between August 2013 and July 2014.
Talk about illegal and legal activities in the amazon
Recent legislative changes in Peru have raised concerns about increased deforestation due to the removal of state authorization requirements for land conversion.
Talk about indigenoys forest management
Forests managed by Indigenous communities in the Amazon remove approximately 340 million tons of CO₂ annually, highlighting the importance of Indigenous stewardship in climate mitigation
Talk about climate feedback loops due to deforestation in the Amazon
The shift from carbon sink to source contributes to global warming, potentially leading to more frequent and severe droughts in the region.
Talk about protected areas in the Amazon
Protected areas have proven effective in reducing deforestation rates by 39% and degradation by 25%
Nature
. The Central Amazon Conservation Complex, covering over 6 million hectares, is the largest protected area in the Amazon Basin
Talk about biodiversity conservation efforts in the Amazon
The Araguaia Biodiversity Corridor is a large-scale ecological restoration project in Brazil, stretching over 2,600 kilometers and up to 40 kilometers wide, connecting the Amazon rainforest and the Cerrado savanna
Talk about Agroforestry
Agroforestry practices, such as those implemented at Olhos D’Água, have restored 350 hectares of previously degraded land, demonstrating the potential for sustainable agriculture to contribute to forest conservation
Talk about REDD+
REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is a mechanism aimed at incentivizing forest conservation. Between 2005 and 2012, REDD+ initiatives contributed to a 70% reduction in deforestation rates and prevented the release of 3.2 billion tonnes of CO₂.
Talk about the Amazon Fund
The Amazon Fund, established under REDD+, has raised over $1 billion to support projects focused on preventing, monitoring, and combating deforestation, as well as promoting sustainable development in the Brazilian Amazon .
Talk about political decisions undermining conservation efforts
In Brazil, political actions have had profound impacts on the Amazon’s preservation. For instance, during President Jair Bolsonaro’s tenure, there was a notable reduction in environmental protections. Budget cuts to environmental agencies reached up to 71%, leading to diminished enforcement capabilities and emboldening illegal activities such as logging and mining.
Where is the River Exe?
The River Exe originates at Exe Head on Exmoor, Somerset, and flows south through Tiverton and Exeter, reaching the English Channel at Exmouth
Talk about features of the River Exe
Length: Approximately 96 km.
Upper Catchment Area: Approximately 601 km².
Elevation: Ranges from 514 m in the north to 26 m in the south.
Geology: Around 84.4% of the catchment is underlain by impermeable Devonian sandstones, leading to high surface runoff.
Land Use: 67% agricultural grassland, 15% woodland, and 3% moors and peat bogs
Talk about rainfall and runoff in the river exe
High Rainfall: Particularly over Exmoor, contributing to significant runoff. Runoff: Accounts for approximately 65% of the water balance, attributed to impermeable geology and historical drainage ditches.
