Amazon’s giant trees thrive despite climate threats

The Amazon’s largest trees are not just surviving—they’re thriving. A new study tracking 188 forest plots over 30 years found big trees grew in number by 3.3% per decade, defying earlier fears that climate change would decimate them.

Led by nearly 100 researchers from 60 universities worldwide, the study, published in Nature Plants, attributes the growth to rising levels of carbon dioxide.

“We’re not seeing signs of them dying off,” said Adriane Esquivel-Muelbert, one of the lead authors.

However, scientists warn that while the growth is a positive sign, the giants remain vulnerable to droughts, fires, lightning, and ongoing deforestation.

Protecting intact forests is crucial, as the Amazon alone cannot offset global carbon emissions.

Urgent action needed
Without curbing deforestation and climate change, up to 47% of the Amazon could transform into non-forest landscapes by 2050, threatening local communities and the rainforest’s critical role as a carbon sink.