Effects of climate change on the tropics

Climate change effects on tropical regions includes changes in marine ecosystems, human livelihoods, biodiversity, degradation of tropical rainforests and effects the environmental stability in these areas. Climate change is characterized by alterations in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. Tropical areas, located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, are known for their warm temperatures, high biodiversity, and distinct ecosystems, including rainforests, coral reefs, and mangroves.

Carbon cycle
Tropical forests are crucial in the global carbon cycle, acting as significant carbon sinks by absorbing CO2 through photosynthesis. However, climate change is altering this balance. Increased temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns can reduce forest growth rates and change species composition, potentially diminishing the forests' capacity to sequester carbon. Extreme weather events, such as droughts and storms, can lead to increased tree mortality, further reducing the carbon storage capacity of these forests and threatening their biodiversity and ecological services.

Degradation
Tropical rainforests are experiencing significant threats from climate change. Changes in rainfall patterns and increased temperatures can lead to droughts, affecting the health and distribution of rainforest species. These changes exacerbate the effects of deforestation and land-use change, leading to biodiversity loss and affecting the livelihoods of indigenous communities and local populations dependent on these forests. Moreover, the degradation of rainforests contributes to climate change by releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere, creating a feedback loop that further accelerates global warming.

A study highlighted in a 2022 Nature article underscores the broader climate benefits of tropical forests beyond carbon storage. Tropical forests cool the planet by one-third of a degree through biophysical mechanisms such as humidifying the air and releasing cooling chemicals, in addition to their role in extracting carbon dioxide from the air. This underscores the critical importance of preserving tropical forests not only for their carbon storage capacity but also for their broader role in regulating the Earth's climate.

Marine ecosystems
The warming of ocean waters has caused coral bleaching and the degradation of coral reefs, which are vital to marine biodiversity and fisheries. Coral reefs support a large proportion of the world's fish species, providing food and livelihoods for millions of people. As ocean temperatures rise, the symbiotic relationship between corals and their algae is disrupted, leading to bleaching and, in severe cases, the death of coral colonies. This not only affects the species that directly depend on coral reefs but also impacts the larger marine food web and fisheries productivity. In addition, climate change impacts oceanic currents and sea levels, further altering fish distributions and habitats. Furthermore, ocean acidification, resulting from increased CO2 levels, compromises the ability of shellfish and corals to form shells and skeletons, further endangering marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

Adaptation and mitigation
Addressing the impacts of climate change on tropical regions requires global cooperation and local action. Strategies include protecting and restoring ecosystems, implementing sustainable land use and fisheries management practices, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Technological innovations, such as satellite monitoring of deforestation and forest fires, along with community-based conservation efforts, can play a crucial role in these strategies. Additionally, promoting sustainable agricultural practices near tropical forests can help preserve these ecosystems while supporting local economies.

The World Resources Institute highlights solutions that serve both adaptation and mitigation purposes, including protecting coastal wetlands, promoting sustainable agroforestry, decentralizing energy distribution, and securing indigenous peoples' land rights. These strategies not only help reduce carbon emissions but also improve resilience to climate impacts. For example, coastal wetlands buffer storm surges and floods while storing significant amounts of carbon. Agroforestry practices enhance land productivity and carbon sequestration, and decentralized energy systems improve resilience to climate variability. Recognizing and securing the land rights of indigenous peoples, who manage a substantial portion of the world's land, can lead to better forest conservation outcomes and lower deforestation rates.

In Zimbabwe, for example, a case study of smallholder farmers in the Nyanga District showcased the integration of traditional grains, drought-resistant crops, and early planting among other adaptation strategies. The involvement of community leaders, professionals, and local residents provided a rich source of knowledge on effective practices to combat the impacts of climate change on food security and livelihoods. This approach emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and community-based strategies in developing resilience to climate change.

NASA plays a critical role in providing the scientific data necessary for understanding and addressing climate change globally. Through missions like GRACE, ICESat, and Sentinel-6, NASA documents crucial changes in the Earth's ice sheets and sea levels, offering invaluable insights for both mitigation and adaptation efforts. Although not directly involved in policy-making, NASA's data supports global climate action by informing decision-makers, scientific communities, and the public.