An alert is triggered in the Patagonian forests after a concerning scientific report is released. The study revealed that these rich territories are experiencing severe deterioration and there is a direct relationship with droughts and extreme heat.
This process, driven by climate change, is evidenced by the massive death of trees, associated with extreme droughts and rising temperatures.
The scientific evidence accumulated in recent decades shows that this phenomenon is not an isolated event, but a constantly expanding process.
Warming in the Andes and its impact on the region
This deterioration to which the forests are exposed is highlighted by science in various studies conducted in recent years. One of them, mentioned in an article from the newspaper El Día (in which a researcher from the National University of La Plata and CONICET) recently warned about the seriousness of the situation.
This occurred within the framework of a meeting organized by the National Academy of Exact, Physical, and Natural Sciences.
Patagonian forests on alert due to droughts and global warming.
“The Andes, where we have emblematic resources such as forests and glaciers, are experiencing a noticeable warming,” the media quoted, highlighting that current levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are the highest in four million years.
The research shows a clear temperature increase in the region, accompanied by a drastic reduction in rainfall. For example, while between 1950 and 1980 only two summers with less than 100 millimeters of rain were recorded, this scarcity has become common since then.
Natural heritage at risk
The Andean Patagonian forests, covering around three million hectares, are one of the world’s most valuable forest heritages.
Risks of fires increase with prolonged droughts. (Photo: archive- NA).
In addition to climate change, they also constantly face the threat of large forest fires that reduce their surface area. The cited report indicates that already in the 1980s, an unusual mortality of cypresses near Bariloche was detected.
Over time, this phenomenon has spread to other species, such as lenga and coihue. A dramatic example is Isla Victoria, where more than 75% of the trees died due to the extreme drought in 2000.
Towards a future of sustainable management
Faced with this alarming scenario, researchers from CONICET, INTA, and various universities have established a federal network for forest monitoring. The aim of this initiative is to obtain crucial information to implement measures for sustainable forest management that allow the forests to better adapt to climate change.
Preserving the Patagonian forests is vital not only for the natural life of this rich region but also for the intense economic activity that depends on them, such as tourism and the timber industry.
