Deutsch: Amazonas / Español: Amazonia / Português: Amazônia / Français: Amazonie / Italiano: Amazzonia

Amazon in an environmental context refers specifically to the Amazon Rainforest, also known simply as "the Amazon". This vast tropical rainforest in South America is known for its immense biodiversity and significant role in the global climate regulation.

Description

The Amazon Rainforest covers approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, spanning across nine countries with the majority in Brazil, followed by Peru and Colombia. It is home to about 10% of the known species in the world, including numerous endangered species. This makes the Amazon a critical hotspot for biodiversity. The forest plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, absorbing millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, which is essential for mitigating climate change. Furthermore, the Amazon influences global and regional climate patterns through its impact on water cycles. It generates approximately half of its own rainfall through the transpiration of moisture by its dense vegetation.

The Amazon River, which is the lifeblood of the rainforest, is one of the longest rivers in the world and has the largest drainage basin globally. The river and its tributaries are key to transporting water and nutrients throughout the forest and supporting the diverse ecosystems found within.

Application Areas

In environmental contexts, the Amazon Rainforest is crucial for its application in studies related to ecology, climate change, and conservation efforts. It serves as a critical area for research on biodiversity and ecological relationships. Conservation strategies and sustainable management practices developed in the Amazon region are often used as models for other conservation efforts globally.

Well-Known Examples

The Amazon is often cited in discussions about deforestation and its impact on global warming. Deforestation in the Amazon has been a major environmental issue, leading to loss of biodiversity and increased carbon emissions. Efforts to combat this include international and local initiatives, such as the Amazon Fund, which is aimed at preventing, monitoring, and combating deforestation while promoting sustainability in the Amazon region.

Treatment and Risks

The Amazon Rainforest faces several environmental threats, including deforestation caused by logging, agriculture, and ranching; mining, which leads to forest degradation and water contamination; and climate change, which exacerbates droughts, affecting the health of the forest. These activities not only threaten the ecological balance of the Amazon but also affect indigenous communities living in the forest who rely on its resources for their livelihoods.

Weblinks

• information-lexikon.de: 'Amazon' in the information-lexikon.de (German)
• allerwelt-lexikon.de: 'Amazonas' in the allerwelt-lexikon.de (German)
• allerwelt-lexikon.de: 'Amazon' in the allerwelt-lexikon.de (German)
• top500.de: 'Amazon' in the glossary of the top500.de

Summary

The term Amazon in an environmental context is synonymous with the Amazon Rainforest, a vital ecological zone that impacts global biodiversity, climate regulation, and environmental health. Preserving its integrity is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and addressing climate change, making it a focal point of both environmental concerns and conservation efforts.

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