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Climate extremes and deforestation are causing the Amazon rainforest to lose its resilience

Duration: 0:11:44

A new scientific report reveals that the Amazon rainforest, known as the "lungs of the earth," is suffering irreversible damage due to increased occurrences of extreme weather and human activities such as overlogging and burning. According to the report published in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change on March 7th, scientists observed and analyzed the health of the Amazon rainforest after 2000 and found that up to 75% of the tropical rainforest has lost its ability to recover from damage caused by droughts and wildfires. Scientists warn that the Amazon rainforest, which plays a crucial role in regulating the climate by absorbing approximately 90 billion tons of carbon dioxide, may reach a critical point and degrade into a tropical savanna. The study also indicates that the Amazon rainforest's ability to self-heal has declined to a warning level, mainly affecting the southeastern part of the forest, including Brazil. The loss of the Amazon rainforest would release vast amounts of carbon, leading to increased greenhouse gases and exacerbating the climate crisis.

Language: Chinese
Topics: ScienceClimate change

Professor Gao Shen

Duration: 0:21:35.465896

Welcome to listen to the history of science. The tall and thin figure who is a regular at the meetings, having graduated from the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, along with Einstein. With 21 Nobel laureates among its alumni, this institution produced many notable scientists. However, there was also a student named Auguste Piccard who excelled in hands-on projects. After graduation, he became a professor at the University of Brussels and was known for his ambidextrous teaching style. He excelled in abstract thinking and practical problem-solving, conducting groundbreaking research on the atmosphere and cosmic rays. Piccard was particularly interested in studying the Earth's atmosphere and cosmic rays but faced challenges in reaching the upper atmosphere for research. This led him to experiment with using balloons to ascend to high altitudes where traditional aircraft could not reach. Despite the risks involved, Piccard was determined to push the boundaries of scientific exploration. Piccard's innovative approach to balloon technology, using hydrogen instead of hot air, led to significant advancements in high-altitude research. He later experimented with helium, a safer alternative to hydrogen, to further his studies. Piccard's dedication to scientific exploration and his contributions to high-altitude research paved the way for future advancements in the field. Piccard's adventures in ballooning and his pioneering spirit inspired many, including cartoonists who immortalized his achievements in popular culture. His legacy lives on through his groundbreaking research and his fearless pursuit of scientific knowledge.

Language: Chinese
Topics: ScienceAuguste Piccard: Pioneering High-Altitude Research