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Climate changes
Tropical forests are among the most vital ecosystems on our planet. With their high biodiversity and crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2), tropical forests serve as a primary defense against global climate change. Unfortunately, deforestation and resource exploitation have threatened the existence of these forests, leading to severe climate consequences.
This article explores how tropical forests contribute to climate balance and the challenges in protecting them.
Tropical forests act as natural carbon sinks by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Research suggests that tropical forests store around 250 billion tons of carbon, significantly reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere[1].
However, deforestation due to agricultural and industrial land conversion has weakened the carbon storage capacity of these forests. When trees are cut down or burned, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.
Tropical forests play a critical role in the hydrological cycle. Tree transpiration helps form rain clouds, contributing to regional and global rainfall patterns. For instance, the Amazon rainforest generates about 20% of the world’s freshwater vapor through this process[2].
If deforestation continues, rainfall patterns may be disrupted, leading to droughts in some regions and an increased risk of natural disasters such as floods and landslides in others.
The rich biodiversity in tropical forests supports not only local ecosystems but also global climate balance. Species living in these forests contribute to nutrient recycling, soil fertility, and overall ecological stability.
The loss of certain species due to deforestation can disrupt food chains and ecological systems, indirectly affecting climate stability.
High deforestation rates in the Amazon, Congo, and Southeast Asia have drastically reduced tropical forest coverage. The primary drivers of deforestation include palm oil plantations, cattle ranching, and the timber industry[3].
Both human-induced and climate-driven forest fires pose major threats to tropical forests. Fires in Indonesia and Brazil, for example, have led to massive carbon emissions, exacerbating global warming[4].
Climate change itself is a threat to tropical forests. Rising global temperatures and altered rainfall patterns make these ecosystems more vulnerable to droughts and wildfires.
Reforestation and ecosystem restoration play essential roles in reviving the functions of tropical forests. Rehabilitation programs that involve replanting native trees can help mitigate climate change impacts.
Indonesia's forest protection policies, such as the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry No. P.76/Menlhk-Setjen/2015, help balance conservation with sustainable use by defining zoning for ecotourism, research, and community-based forest management while preserving core areas. Sustainable forest management practices like agroforestry and silviculture also play a key role in reducing deforestation by integrating trees with crops or livestock and ensuring responsible timber harvesting. These strategies, combined with regulatory frameworks, support both environmental conservation and economic sustainability for local communities. Additionally, sustainable forest management practices, such as agroforestry and silviculture, can help reduce pressure on tropical forests.
Increasing public awareness of the importance of tropical forests is crucial. Educational campaigns and local community involvement in conservation efforts are key to preserving these forests.
Tropical forests play a crucial role in maintaining global climate balance by storing carbon, regulating water cycles, and supporting biodiversity. However, threats such as deforestation, forest fires, and climate change demand serious conservation efforts. Through reforestation, forest protection, and community involvement, tropical forests can continue to serve as vital climate regulators for the planet.
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