How Does the Amazon Rainforest Contribute to the Earth’s Atmosphere?

The Amazon Rainforest produces 20% of the oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere. Spanning across nine countries in South America, it is the largest rainforest in the world, about 2.3 million square miles (7 million square kilometers) and represents 50% of the world’s total rainforest land. The Amazon Rainforest contributes to regulating the temperature of the Earth by absorbing carbon that is emitted into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned, which is thought by scientists to cause the average global temperature to increase. If warmer temperatures dry out its water sources, the rainforest could contribute more carbon to the atmosphere than it absorbs, as it did during a 2005 drought.

More about the Amazon Rainforest:

• About one-fifth of the world’s total water supply is located in the basin of the Amazon Rainforest.


• Almost 20% of the Amazon Rainforest has been deforested.


• The Amazon Rainforest contains about 10% of all of the species on Earth. It also harbors about one-third of the world’s bird species.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Amazon Rainforest affect global oxygen levels?

The Amazon Rainforest is often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," as it produces about 20% of the world's oxygen through photosynthesis. This vast ecosystem converts carbon dioxide into oxygen, playing a crucial role in maintaining the atmospheric balance necessary for life on our planet.

What role does the Amazon play in carbon storage?

The Amazon Rainforest acts as a significant carbon sink, storing an estimated 100 billion metric tons of carbon in its biomass. By absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the forest helps mitigate the effects of climate change. However, deforestation and fires can release this stored carbon back into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.

How does biodiversity in the Amazon influence the atmosphere?

Biodiversity in the Amazon contributes to atmospheric stability by supporting a wide range of plant species, each with unique photosynthetic capacities. This diversity ensures efficient carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen production. Moreover, the interaction between the forest and the atmosphere can influence weather patterns and even impact rainfall across the globe.

Can the Amazon Rainforest help combat climate change?

Yes, the Amazon Rainforest is a vital tool in combating climate change due to its ability to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide. Its vast vegetation captures greenhouse gases, which helps to cool the Earth's temperature. However, this benefit is threatened by deforestation, which reduces the forest's capacity to act as a carbon sink.

What is the impact of deforestation on the Amazon's atmospheric contributions?

Deforestation has a detrimental impact on the Amazon's ability to contribute positively to the Earth's atmosphere. It not only reduces the forest's capacity to produce oxygen and store carbon but also leads to the release of stored carbon dioxide when trees are burned or decompose, further contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.

How does the Amazon Rainforest regulate the water cycle?

The Amazon Rainforest plays a critical role in the global water cycle by recycling water through transpiration. Trees release water vapor into the atmosphere, which then contributes to cloud formation and precipitation. This process not only sustains the regional climate but also affects weather patterns and water availability on a broader scale.