Warming may kill off Brazil species, studies find - Reuters

[Eugene]

Warming may kill off Brazil species, studies find
27 Feb 2007 20:31:48 GMT
Source: Reuters

By Andrea Welsh

BRASILIA, Feb 27 (Reuters) - A number of animal and plant species in Brazil
could die out as rising world temperatures cause more droughts, disease and
rainstorms in areas like the Pantanal wetlands and Amazon rainforest, according
to studies released on Tuesday.

"All our efforts to protect our biodiversity could be lost," Environment Minister
Marina Silva said at an event to publicize the new research coordinated by the
ministry and carried out by university, private and government scientists.

Brazil is believed to be home to roughly a fifth of all plant and animal species
and the government has invested $142 million (300 million reais) since 2003 to
preserve vast swathes of land in areas like the Amazon, Environmental Secretary
Joao Capobianco said.

But rising global temperatures could undermine conservation efforts.

The broadest study, conducted by Brazilian space agency INPE, found that
temperatures in the Amazon -- the world's largest remaining tropical rainforest
-- could rise as much 8 degrees Celsius (14 F) this century.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N27317557.htm