First and foremost, the Amazon Rainforest stands as the world’s largest tropical rainforest, covering over 6.7 million square kilometers and spanning nine South American countries Global CitizenLive Scienceecofuture.net. Consequently, it plays a foundational role not only locally, but globally. Therefore, understanding why the Amazon is important is not just academic—it’s vital for the future of our planet.
In this comprehensive guide, I will uncover:
What makes the Amazon so ecologically indispensable,
The threats it’s facing,
And how travelers like you can make a meaningful impact.
Without a doubt, the Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It hosts approximately:
10% of all known species Popular MechanicsDecoding Biosphereecofuture.net,
More than 40,000 plant species, 427 mammals, 1,300 bird species, 378 reptiles, and ~3,000 freshwater fish WikipediaDecoding BiospherePopular Mechanics,
Many forms of insects—estimated at 2.5 million species Popular MechanicsDecoding Biosphere.
Moreover, a significant portion of life on Earth resides in its canopy, making this habitat irreplaceable WikipediaEncyclopedia Britannica.
Why does it matter? Simply put, each species plays a role—pollinating, stabilizing soil, or maintaining ecosystem balance—so losing even one can disrupt entire systems Wikipedia.
Not only is the Amazon the planet’s biodiversity hotspot—it’s also a crucial moderator of global climate.
To begin with, the Amazon stores tens to hundreds of billions of metric tons of carbon—some estimates range between 86 billion to 150–200 billion tons of CO₂ Mongabay.comGlobal Citizenrypko.comRainforest TrustWikipedia+1Business Insider. In doing so, it helps lower greenhouse gas levels, playing a major role in climate mitigation rypko.comRainforest TrustEncyclopedia BritannicaBusiness Insider.
However, there’s growing concern that the Amazon is transitioning from a carbon sink to a carbon source, especially in degraded areas, due to deforestation, fires, and habitat loss Wikipedia+1TIMEThe Guardian+1.
While it’s widely referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” recent studies clarify that its net contribution to oxygen is close to zero, because the forest consumes as much as it produces WikipediaEncyclopedia Britannica. Nonetheless, it remains a vital part of the oxygen cycle.
Moreover, the Amazon not only stores carbon—it literally creates rain.
By releasing water vapor through transpiration, the forest generates 50–75% of its own rainfall and influences precipitation far beyond Mongabay.comEncyclopedia Britannicagreenly.earth.
Indeed, it circulates approximately 20 billion tonnes of water into the atmosphere every day, affecting rainfall patterns across South America and even as far as the U.S. greenly.earthBusiness InsiderMongabay.com.
These “flying rivers” are critical for agriculture in Brazil and other countries. Should the forest degrade beyond a tipping point, some experts predict a 40% reduction in rainfall and a collapse in food production The Guardian.
Importantly, the Amazon is not just nature—it is home to more than 400 Indigenous tribes, each preserving profound wisdom, sustainable practices, and extraordinary biodiversity management skills Decoding BiosphereReddit.
For example, the Ashaninka people are leading conservation efforts—reforesting areas, promoting sustainable land use, and protecting over 1.6 million acres Reddit.
Similarly, Indigenous territories absorb up to 26,000 metric tons of pollutants yearly, reducing health risks and saving billions in healthcare costs Reddit+1.
Additionally, the Amazon delivers several vital services:
Provides medicinal plants that are used globally—up to 25% of prescription drugs have rainforest origins Encyclopedia Britannica.
Supplies resources like rubber, acai, Brazil nuts, and essential oils, often sustainably harvested Encyclopedia Britannica.
Filters water, controls floods, maintains soil fertility, and regulates erosion through nutrient cycling and habitat stability Encyclopedia BritannicaWikipedia.
Yet, for all its importance, the Amazon is under severe threat.
Over the past 50 years, about 20% of the forest has been cleared—primarily by cattle ranching, logging, mining, and agriculture Global CitizenThe Guardian.
In 2024, organized arson caused the majority of forest fires—over 98% were human-induced, amplifying degradation The Guardian.
Although recent reports show a 31% reduction in deforestation in Brazil, large infrastructure projects—such as the controversial Avenida Liberdade highway built through protected areas—threaten progress AP NewsNew York PostWikipedia.
Scientists warn that if 25% deforestation or a temperature rise of 2–2.5°C is reached, the forest could irreversibly collapse into savannah The Guardian+1.
Fortunately, there are active efforts to turn the tide.
Experts advocate for large-scale restoration, zero deforestation, elimination of monocultures, and a shift toward a bioeconomy—all nature-based solutions that can help us reclaim safety margins The Guardian+1.
Expanding conservation zones—especially floodplains that are critical habitats for species like Arapaima sp.—is essential, yet gaps remain in protected networks arXiv.
Moreover, strengthening Indigenous land rights and supporting their stewardship is a highly effective strategy Reddit+1.
If you’re planning to travel to the Amazon, you can make a real difference.
Opt for eco-friendly lodges, community-led excursions, and local guides who prioritize conservation and respect traditional knowledge.
Minimize single-use plastics, refuse unsustainable souvenirs, and travel mindfully.
Buy handicrafts, participate in forest-based programs, and donate to Indigenous-led conservation projects.
In short:
The Amazon is a global biodiversity hotspot, a climate regulator, a water generator, and a cultural fortress.
However, we are nearing ecological tipping points that risk transforming it forever.
As travelers, we have the power to support conservation and ensure that the lungs and heartbeat of our planet survive for generations to come.
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+51 984 010 700
info@peruamazontrips.com