The vast, biodiverse region in South America plays a critical role in the global environment. Its dense vegetation absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, a process vital for regulating the planet’s climate. The region also releases substantial quantities of oxygen, contributing to the air that organisms breathe.
This area’s significance extends beyond carbon sequestration and oxygen production. It is a reservoir of freshwater, influencing regional and global hydrological cycles. Its biodiversity is unparalleled, housing a vast array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Historically, it has been a source of valuable resources and a home to indigenous communities with deep cultural connections to the land.
