Saving the rainforests: Key to global climate protection in Potsdam!

Saving the rainforests: Key to global climate protection in Potsdam!

In a world increasingly grappling with the challenges of climate change and pollution, protecting tropical rainforests appears more important than ever. However, these unique ecosystems, which maintain a fascinating balance through natural cycles, are under immense pressure from deforestation and climate change. A look at the situation shows that protecting these forests is crucial not only for biodiversity, but also for our global climate.

Tropical rainforests are true treasure troves of nature. When plants die, they decompose quickly, releasing nutrients back into the soil. This harmonious system is increasingly being disrupted by human activities. The [Biosphere Potsdam](https://www.potsdam.de/de/ Veranstaltung/vom-regenwald-bis-zur-restmuelltonne-1) is intensively committed to environmental protection and sustainability and shows in a current exhibition how circular economy can be implemented in practice. It is emphasized here that garbage does not exist in nature; everything is part of a larger cycle that should also be emulated in modern society.

The consequences of deforestation

But what happens if these systems are destroyed? Studies show that deforestation accounts for about a ninth of all human-caused carbon emissions. This is what the researchers at the Federal Environment Agency have done, who have looked at the long-term consequences of deforestation: When deforestation occurs, carbon quickly enters the atmosphere and thus further promotes climate change through the greenhouse gas CO2. This has far-reaching effects on the global climate and endangers the planetary balance.

The long-term changes observed in regions such as the Amazon are particularly alarming. Over the past 20 years, climate scientists have found that the rainforest is being weakened by prolonged periods of drought and ongoing environmental change. A recently published study shows that at 20% deforestation, the Amazon rainforest is reaching a tipping point after which ecosystem recovery becomes questionable. This could not only endanger the flora and fauna of the rainforest itself, but also threaten large parts of South America through drastic climatic changes.

The need for action

The water cycle in these tropical forests has far-reaching effects on weather patterns in many regions. Despite efforts to reduce deforestation, destruction continues through practices such as slash-and-burn agriculture and illegal logging. Although Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has taken measures to curb deforestation since 2023, progress has been limited so far.

To break the vicious circle of destruction and climate crisis, it is crucial to increase reforestation measures. Protecting the rainforests is not only a question of nature conservation, but also of humanity, because a healthy planet is the basis for a healthy society. In this sense, the call for every individual to actively participate in the implementation of recycling and participation in sustainable practices is of great importance.

Potsdam not only focuses on the importance of protecting the rainforest - the exhibition also shows how we ourselves can actively contribute to the cleanliness of our world. And if everyone does their part, it can benefit not only local but also global environmental goals.