A climate scientist estimates that deforestation reduces local rainfall by 5% every 10 years. If a rainforest currently receives 1200 mm of rainfall annually, how much will it receive after 30 years?

Mon, 04 May 2026 09:03:19 +0000

Climate Insight: How Deforestation Could Reduce Rainfall by Up to 15% Over Three Decades A recent study conducted by leading climate scientists reveals a concerning trend: deforestation could reduce local rainfall by approximately 5% every 10 years in affected rainforest regions. This decline poses serious threats to ecosystem stability, biodiversity, and regional water cycles. If a rainforest currently receives an average of 1,200 mm of annual rainfall, climate models suggest a cumulative rainfall reduction of up to 15% over 30 years, assuming deforestation continues at current rates. That means rainfall could decline by about 180 mm per year—a drop that may seem small but has profound long-term environmental and agricultural consequences. ### What This Means for Rainforest Ecosystems