Deep in the Amazon, scientists build a ‘time capsule’ to predict future of climate change

Ali Rogin:

Finally tonight, hundreds of miles from the U.N. Conference on climate change that wrapped up this weekend in Belem, Brazil, there's a first of its kind experiment that could help future policymakers address the issue. Here's John Yang.

John Yang (voice-over):

In the Amazon jungle steel towers peek over the tops of mature trees. Scientists call it a time machine, giving them a glimpse into the future. Carlos Alberto Quesada is coordinator at Brazil's National Institute of Amazonian Research.

Carlos Alberto Quesada, National Institute of Amazonian Research (through translator): From these towers, we will release CO2 into the treetops and try to create the atmosphere of the future there in that environment. Then we can study all the ecological processes that will be altered by with more carbon in the system.

John Yang (voice-over):

It's part of a groundbreaking program called Amazon face free air CO2 enrichment. The idea is to pump CO2 into the tree canopies to replicate rising greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers use cranes to collect data about water use, leaf resistance and other indications of the tree's health. They hope these readings will provide an insight into the Amazon's ability to adapt to climate change.

Gustavo Carvalho, Forest Engineer (through translator):

With these sensors, we can get the forest's response every 10 minutes. For example, if it rains, if it's sunny, if there's a storm, we know how the forest works.

John Yang (voice-over):

Amazon's rainforest is sometimes called the lungs of the Earth, absorbing billions of tons of carbon dioxide every year and releasing oxygen. Its health is directly tied to the planet. It affects rainfall worldwide and the overall balance of the Earth's water system

Researchers hope the data this experiment yields will help global policymakers better navigate climate change.

Carlos Alberto Quesada (voice-over):

How much CO2 can we still emit? Within a 2 degree temperature increase, we will be able to understand what trajectories the Amazon will take and prepare decades in advance.