Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest may lead to decreased rainfall in South America and weaken climate systems in the region, a new study published in Nature says.

According to researchers, deforestation is affecting the natural hydrological cycle of the Amazon. The forest creates a lot of its own rainfall due to evaporation and recycling of moisture. With decreasing vegetation cover, the amount of moisture entering the atmosphere is falling, resulting in lower rainfall.

The research suggests that the negative effects will not be confined to the Amazon region alone but could have ramifications for agricultural production, water availability, and power generation in several South American nations.

Reduced Vegetation Cover Is Lowering Moisture and Rainfall Across South America

Further, scientists have warned that ongoing deforestation may reduce the Amazon rainforest's ability to act as a natural carbon sink. The Amazon takes up large quantities of CO2 and acts as a regulator of global warming. Forest destruction limits such processes.

It was observed by the researchers that some parts of the Amazon had already begun experiencing extended dry periods, with rising temperatures in those areas. As per the report, deforestation will ultimately lead to certain patches of the rainforest becoming drier.

Using climate models and satellite data, the scientists studied the impact of deforestation on the pattern of precipitation. They found that any form of destruction to the forest could cause changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation.

Amazon’s Role as a Global Carbon Sink Under Threat

Some of the leading drivers of deforestation are agricultural activities, ranching, logging, and construction in the area. Brazil is home to most of the Amazon rainforest, although it covers regions of other South American countries.

This latest report comes at a time when talks regarding forest conservation and global warming have been going on around the world. Scientists believe that the conservation of the forest is crucial in order to stabilize the climate.

The Amazon rainforest contains nearly 10 per cent of the world’s known species and plays a key role in global weather systems, according to researchers.