Effects of climate change on the tropics

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.

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.

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.

[8] 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.

[9] 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.

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.