A new study from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research warns that the Amazon rainforest could face irreversible degradation even if global warming is limited to 1.5C to 1.9C. Continued deforestation weakens the forest's ability to recycle moisture, potentially turning large sections of the basin into savannah-like ecosystems. This shift would disrupt rainfall patterns across South America, threatening regional agriculture and water security. Researchers suggest that halting deforestation and prioritizing restoration are the only ways to maintain the forest's resilience and its role as a critical global carbon sink.
