The local climatic conditions (microclimate) experienced by organisms inside Amazonian forests are not fully understood. Consequently, we still don't know how climate change will define the fate of Amazonian biodiversity. Global warming will likely shift microclimate conditions inside forests. However, in some areas, vegetation and topography can protect the forest against external changes, allowing the existence of microclimate refugia. These biodiversity “safe harbours” will play a decisive role in protecting organisms against climate change. This project will use geospatial technologies, such as laser scanning and satellite imagery, to unveil the location of microclimate refugia in Amazonian forests. We will investigate how vegetation regulates environmental conditions within forests, allowing us to forecast how microclimate refugia will change in the future. The results will lead to more effective policies to protect biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest.

2024

2028