Forest degradation is emerging as a serious threat in Brazil's Amazon, even as deforestation rates decline. A degraded forest loses its ability to fully support the ecosystem, and external factors like El Niño can worsen the situation.
- Degraded forests may still be standing but lose biodiversity and carbon storage. - El Niño can compound the weakness by increasing drought and fire risk.
- Local impacts are felt in Sierra County and the city of Forest. - Experts call for targeted restoration to protect long-term ecosystem health.
While deforestation gains are encouraging, addressing degradation is critical to preserving the Amazon's global climate benefits.