A Narrative Review of the Environmental and Public Health Implications of Carbon Sequestration in the Amazon Rainforest
Uchechukwu Bethel Abioke
*
Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Precious Mmesoma Umeasalugo
Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Toxicology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
Chinyere Elohor Egbordi
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic and Applied Biological Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Osasere Destiny Ikponmwosa
Department of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Elona Erezi
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic and Applied Biological Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The Amazon Rainforest stores an estimated 150–200 petagrams of carbon in its biomass and soils, making it the largest terrestrial carbon reservoir on Earth. This narrative review assesses the Amazon’s role in regulating global and regional climate, examines emerging evidence on the weakening of its carbon sink function, and evaluates the environmental and public health consequences of ongoing forest degradation.
Drawing on research from 2015 to 2025, we analyze carbon sequestration processes, hydrological functions, including the “flying rivers” system, and feedback mechanisms driving parts of the southeastern Amazon toward a shift from carbon sink to carbon source. We also consider methodological differences in biomass estimation, particularly across remote sensing approaches, and their implications for carbon accounting.
In addition, we highlight the health impacts of deforestation, including respiratory illness from wildfire smoke, heat-related illness, the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue, and risks to food and water security. We also assess current policy frameworks, including the Paris Agreement, REDD+, and national conservation laws.
Overall, we argue that the Amazon is essential to planetary health, and that protecting it will require stronger and more effective governance, not just incremental changes to existing policies.
Keywords: Amazon rainforest, carbon sequestration, climate regulation, deforestation, public health, biodiversity, tipping point, planetary health