Deforestation in the Amazon jeopardizes not only forests, but also essential ecosystem services that underpin energy security in Brazil. The Amazon rainforest is a pillar for maintaining the “flying rivers”, currents of moisture that feed the rainfall regimes needed to supply hydroelectric reservoirs across the country.
A recent study [1] by the Climate Policy Initiative/Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (CPI/PUC-Rio) revealed an alarming connection between deforestation and hydroelectric power generation, highlighting the economic, operational and climate impacts of this destruction.
Impacts of deforestation on the electricity sector
According to the study [1], the effects of deforestation are already being reflected in significant losses:
- At the Teles Pires HPP (MT), the reduction in forest cover has resulted in a drop of up to 10% in monthly energy generation, accumulating losses of R$118 million a year.
- At HPP Salto (PR), losses reached 3% in generation, compromising 10% of the operation’s annual profit.
This data reinforces how forest destruction not only affects the environment, but also economic stability and the resilience of the national energy matrix.
In addition, the intensification of extreme climatic events, such as severe droughts and irregularities in the rainfall regime, further aggravates Brazil’s energy vulnerability.
Biodiversity as a metric and objective in reforestation
Although forest restoration and conservation are recognized as solutions to mitigate the impacts of deforestation, it is essential that these efforts are directed not only towards the recovery of vegetation cover, but also towards the return and protection of biodiversity.
Biodiversity plays a crucial role in the ecosystem services that sustain climate stability and water cycles. Its inclusion as a central metric in reforestation and conservation programs is essential to ensure the long-term success of these projects.
Why measure and prioritize biodiversity?
- Ecosystem quality indicator: The presence of key species in restored areas is a reliable indicator of environmental recovery.
- Ecological resilience: Biodiverse ecosystems are better able to adapt to climate change and provide essential services such as water regulation and erosion protection.
- Valuing environmental projects: Biodiversity as a measurable component can increase the relevance of restoration projects in ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) initiatives and tend to receive a higher premium on the carbon market.
How can biodiversity be targeted in restoration and conservation projects?
For biodiversity to be integrated as a clear objective in conservation and restoration initiatives, it is necessary:
- Continuous monitoring: Regularly evaluate the recovery of native fauna and flora to identify progress and necessary adjustments.
- Mapping priority areas: Identifying regions where restoration can have the greatest impact on biodiversity, water cycles and climate resilience.
- Use of scientific data: Incorporate technologies that make it possible to identify species present and absent in restored areas, ensuring that recovery is effective.
By restoring biodiversity, reforestation initiatives become a strategic mechanism for climate mitigation and energy security.
Towards integrated solutions
Deforestation is a complex challenge, but including biodiversity as a metric and objective in restoration efforts opens the way to more effective solutions. Projects that not only revegetate, but also recover biodiverse ecosystems, strengthen essential ecosystem services, such as “flying rivers”, and promote a more resilient future for Brazil.
[1] Complete reference:
Pinto, Gustavo R. S., João Arbache, Luiza Antonaccio and Joana Chiavari. (Des)matando as Hidrelétricas: The Threat of Deforestation in the Amazon to Brazil’s Energy. Rio de Janeiro: Climate Policy Initiative, 2024. bit.ly/Deforestation-Energy.