Is the Amazon rainforest approaching a tipping point? What could be its early warning signs?
Professor Dominick Spracklen (University of Leeds) explains the latest science about the impact of tropical deforestation on local and regional climate in the first of our ClimTip Webinar Series.
Abstract
Tropical deforestation changes how the land and atmosphere interact, leading to warmer local and regional temperatures and shifts in rainfall patterns. These climate changes could greatly affect the lives of millions of people nearby and the long-term health of tropical forests. However, there's still a lot we don't know about how tropical forests influence our climate. In his presentation, Professor Dominick Spracklen shares some exciting new research that uses satellite data and computer models to understand how deforestation impacts local and regional climates. He also explains about what these findings mean for the critical thresholds in tropical forest climate and how we can better protect and manage these vital ecosystems for the future.
Dominick Spracklen acknowledges his research team: Callum Smith (DECAF) CSSP-Brazil Fellow, Yu Liu Nanjing University / University of Leeds, Ed Butt (ACT) NERC Fellow, Jess Baker (CRAFT) UKRI Future Leaders Fellow.
ClimTip Webinar Series
Are you worried about climate tipping points? How close are we to crossing them? What would be the impacts? Scientists and the public concerns grow as the recent scientific evidence that several vital organs of our Earth system might be approaching a tipping point. Yet there is still uncertainty. In this webinar series we share the latest science on climate tipping points, discuss their impacts and actions to address potential threats.
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