Increased climate pressure on the agricultural frontier in the Eastern Amazonia–Cerrado transition zone

A significant increase in climatic pressure is affecting the Eastern Amazonia–Cerrado transition zone, a critical agricultural frontier and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region has experienced the most pronounced warming and drying trends over tropical South America in the last four decades, leading to delayed wet seasons and worsening drought conditions. The study highlights a rise in temperature, vapor pressure deficit, subsidence, and dry-day frequency, alongside a decrease in precipitation, humidity, and evaporation. These changes heighten fire risk during the dry-to-wet transition season, posing threats to both global food security and the protection of tropical biomes. The research combines observational data and climate analysis to evidence these trends, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices and conservation efforts.

Marengo, J. A., Jimenez, J. C., Espinoza, J.-C., Cunha, A. P., & Aragão, L. E. O. (2022). Increased climate pressure on the agricultural frontier in the Eastern Amazonia–Cerrado transition zone. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-04241-4