The Amazon faces a growing threat that could irreversibly alter its ecological and climatic balance. This is revealed in the technical report “Tipping Point in the Amazon: The Importance of Flying Rivers Connecting the Amazon”, published as part of the study Amazon at Risk of Extinction.
The document explains that so-called “flying rivers” are moisture currents that originate in the Atlantic Ocean and traverse the entire Amazon region thanks to the forests’ ability to recycle water through evapotranspiration. This process sustains rainfall, regulates the climate, and sustains life across much of South America.
However, deforestation and forest degradation are weakening this natural system. The study warns that, if the destruction of the Amazon rainforest continues, several regions could reach a “point of no return,” gradually transforming into dry, savanna-like ecosystems.
One of the main findings indicates that the southwestern Amazon—especially Peru and Bolivia—is currently the most vulnerable area, due to its high dependence on moisture transported from the eastern Amazon.
The report also warns of the cross-border consequences of deforestation. Actions taken in a region of the eastern Amazon can affect rainfall and climate stability in countries further to the west, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
Furthermore, researchers warn that rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and extreme wildfires recorded in recent years demonstrate that the Amazon is already experiencing strong signs of ecological deterioration.
From the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA), this scientific call reaffirms the urgency of strengthening the integral care of our Common Home, promoting conservation policies, and defending Amazonian territories and their peoples. The Amazon is not only essential for those who inhabit the region, but also for the planet’s climate balance and the lives of future generations.
The study emphasizes that protecting the Amazonian forests also means protecting the moisture flows that sustain biodiversity, water sources, and climate resilience throughout South America.