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Carbon loss from forest degradation exceeds that from deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon

Author

Listed:
  • Yuanwei Qin

    (University of Oklahoma)

  • Xiangming Xiao

    (University of Oklahoma)

  • Jean-Pierre Wigneron

    (ISPA, UMR 1391, INRA Nouvelle-Aquitaine)

  • Philippe Ciais

    (Université Paris-Saclay)

  • Martin Brandt

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Lei Fan

    (Southwest University)

  • Xiaojun Li

    (ISPA, UMR 1391, INRA Nouvelle-Aquitaine)

  • Sean Crowell

    (University of Oklahoma)

  • Xiaocui Wu

    (University of Oklahoma)

  • Russell Doughty

    (University of Oklahoma
    California Institute of Technology)

  • Yao Zhang

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Fang Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Stephen Sitch

    (University of Exeter)

  • Berrien Moore

    (University of Oklahoma)

Abstract

Spatial–temporal dynamics of aboveground biomass (AGB) and forest area affect the carbon cycle, climate and biodiversity in the Brazilian Amazon. Here we investigate interannual changes in AGB and forest area by analysing satellite-based annual AGB and forest area datasets. We found that the gross forest area loss was larger in 2019 than in 2015, possibly due to recent loosening of forest protection policies. However, the net AGB loss was three times smaller in 2019 than in 2015. During 2010–2019, the Brazilian Amazon had a cumulative gross loss of 4.45 Pg C against a gross gain of 3.78 Pg C, resulting in a net AGB loss of 0.67 Pg C. Forest degradation (73%) contributed three times more to the gross AGB loss than deforestation (27%), given that the areal extent of degradation exceeds that of deforestation. This indicates that forest degradation has become the largest process driving carbon loss and should become a higher policy priority.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuanwei Qin & Xiangming Xiao & Jean-Pierre Wigneron & Philippe Ciais & Martin Brandt & Lei Fan & Xiaojun Li & Sean Crowell & Xiaocui Wu & Russell Doughty & Yao Zhang & Fang Liu & Stephen Sitch & Berri, 2021. "Carbon loss from forest degradation exceeds that from deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 11(5), pages 442-448, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:11:y:2021:i:5:d:10.1038_s41558-021-01026-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-021-01026-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yi Y. Liu & Albert I. J. M. van Dijk & Richard A. M. de Jeu & Josep G. Canadell & Matthew F. McCabe & Jason P. Evans & Guojie Wang, 2015. "Recent reversal in loss of global terrestrial biomass," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 5(5), pages 470-474, May.
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    6. Yuanwei Qin & Xiangming Xiao & Fang Liu & Fabio Sa e Silva & Yosio Shimabukuro & Egidio Arai & Philip Martin Fearnside, 2023. "Forest conservation in Indigenous territories and protected areas in the Brazilian Amazon," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 6(3), pages 295-305, March.
    7. Caroline S. S. Franca & U. Martin Persson & Tomás Carvalho & Marco Lentini, 2023. "Quantifying timber illegality risk in the Brazilian forest frontier," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 6(11), pages 1485-1495, November.
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