Seventy-five percent of tropical forests endured six months of extreme drought and heat during the 2023-2024 El Niño.

The study in Earth's Future reveals that this event is not an anomaly but a harbinger of what could become routine if emissions continue unchecked. The prolonged exposure to such conditions can lead to widespread forest die-off, altering ecosystems irreversibly and exacerbating climate change.

This 'new normal' means tropical forests will face increasingly harsh conditions, threatening biodiversity and carbon storage capabilities.

The long-term vulnerability of these regions is heightened as the frequency and intensity of droughts and heatwaves increase, leading to a cascade effect on global climate stability.

What is the long-term climate outlook for this region?

Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, tropical forests will likely see more frequent and severe droughts and heatwaves. This could lead to substantial loss of forest cover and biodiversity, with global implications for carbon storage and climate regulation.

The outlook is grim without action on emissions.