Which Country Holds the Largest Part of the Amazon Rainforest?
The Amazon rainforest, often called the lungs of the earth, is a vast ecosystem covering millions of square miles across several countries in South America. Among these, Brazil is the principal steward, holding the largest portion of this invaluable habitat. Nearly 60% of the Amazon rainforest lies within Brazil's borders, making it a critical player in the region’s ecological balance and global climate.
Brazil's Dominance in the Amazon Rainforest
Brazil holds approximately 60 percent of the Amazon basin within its borders. In 1970, this vast area, covering roughly 1,583,000 square miles (4,100,000 square kilometers), was densely forested. This makes Brazil the primary custodian of this important natural resource, which plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, contributing significantly to global atmospheric health.
Brazil's share of the Amazon rainforest is not just the largest, but also strategically distributed. Apart from the Brazilian Amazon, smaller portions are shared among other South American countries, including Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. These countries, with varying percentages, contribute to the entire ecosystem that spans across the continent.
The Role of the Amazon Rainforest in Global Environment
The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change and global warming. Its vast expanse of dense rainforest helps regulate the global climate by absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. This natural mechanism makes the Amazon a vital buffer against the rise in global temperatures and the harmful effects of deforestation.
The Amazon rainforest is home to a rich biodiversity, supporting over one million known species of plants and animals, with many yet to be discovered. It is also the main source of drinking water and hydroelectric power for much of South America, particularly Brazil. Citizens of Brazil, though often unaware, live on what is indeed the largest continuous tropical forest on the planet. Unfortunately, this has led to a significant increase in illegal deforestation activities over the past few years, posing a serious threat to the ecological balance of the region.
The Impact of Deforestation
Illegal deforestation has been on the rise, putting Brazil's vast Amazon rainforest at risk. The destruction of the rainforest not only threatens its biodiversity but also contributes significantly to global climate change. This is because deforestation releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contrary to the forest's natural role in carbon sequestration.
Efforts are being made to combat these issues, including sustainable forest management practices and international cooperation. Initiatives such as reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD ) aim to support countries in protecting their forests and the livelihoods of local communities that depend on them.
Brazil's responsibility in preserving the Amazon rainforest is paramount, given its size and ecological importance. As a leader in the region, Brazil has a unique opportunity to lead efforts in conservation and sustainable development, ensuring the future health of this invaluable natural resource for generations to come.