A new MapBiomas study reveals a million-hectare water loss in nine Amazon countries over a decade.
The data spans 2013 to 2022 and varies by country. For example, Brazil saw an increase in water areas.
In 2022, Brazil had 18.8 million water-covered hectares, exceeding its 17.8 million average.
Moreover, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia showed consistent water loss from 2000 to 2022. Specifically, Bolivia lost 41,800 hectares, deviating from its 1.6 million average.
Peru experienced a 124,300-hectare decline, falling short of its 1.7 million average. Ecuador lost 14,300 hectares, totaling 226,700 in 2022.
Additionally, glacier melting is notable, especially in the Andean countries. Between 1985 and 2022, 184,000 hectares of glaciers disappeared.
This represents a 56% loss in permanent ice areas. Venezuela lost 97% of its glaciers, amounting to 82 hectares.
Peru suffered the most, losing 115,000 hectares of glacier land.
Juliano Schirmbeck of Geokarten says this could affect Andean economies. The decline impacts agriculture, water supply, and ecosystems.
He attributes the changes to rising climate change, worsening health and food issues.
Lastly, MapBiomas collaborates with organizations in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, aside from Brazil.
These groups monitor land use changes and provide valuable information for the study.
Background
In context, this study serves as a wake-up call. Global climate change isn’t just a future threat; it’s impacting ecosystems now.
The loss in water areas and glaciers affects not just nature but human life. For example, a reduced water supply complicates agriculture.
This could lead to food shortages and price hikes.
Moreover, poorer communities will likely feel the brunt of this environmental shift. Reduced water availability means less access to clean water, exacerbating health issues
Additionally, the loss in glacier coverage contributes to rising sea levels, which pose a broader global threat.
Furthermore, these environmental changes also spell trouble for biodiversity. Many species depend on these ecosystems for survival.
Their loss could have a ripple effect throughout the food chain.
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