One of our planet's most vital defences against global warming is itself being ravaged by climate change.
As well as being a buffer against climate change, the Amazon is a rich source of biodiversity, containing around 10% of the world's species - with many more yet to be discovered. Secondly, hotter temperatures mean there's more evaporation from the plants and soils, so they lose more water. "This really is something quite exceptional," says Dr Ben Clarke, a researcher with the World Weather Attribution group.
While the effect of deforestation was not directly tested in this latest study, previous research has shown it increases the vulnerability of the rainforest to drought.The world's largest rainforest is seen as crucial in the battle to limit global warming.