The Amazon forest stores large quantities of the climate-damaging greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2). But deforestation, agriculture and rising temperatures bring this nature based solution to a limit. AmazonFACE brings together an international team of researchers aiming to address the question how the Amazon forest will respond to projected future CO2 concentrations. By using Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) technology we will generate process based understanding on the functioning of the world’s largest tropical rainforest, and therefore will be able to inform regional policies on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Please see below the link to a short film produced by our colleagues at HILAEA, which documents the design of the research facility including its infrastructure and the construction of the first 2 plots consisting of 16 towers spreading elevated CO2 into the Amazon forest between August 2022 and May 2024.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/c9zF3UaVUzg?si=A3yiqZhthrFQJTGq%22
News
05 May 2026
Amazon understory forests show short-term boost in CO₂ uptake – but this comes at a cost
Tropical forests are one of the planet's most important carbon sinks – often also called "the lungs of the Earth". But their future in a high-CO₂ world remains uncertain. IIASA researchers contributed to a new study, which suggests even small understory trees in the Amazon may initially buffer climate change more strongly. Their long-term capacity to store carbon could, however, be restricted by nutrient availability, highlighting the vulnerability of these ecosystems under future climate conditions.
18 March 2026
IIASA leadership strengthens partnerships during mission to Brazil
During a recent visit to Brazil, IIASA Director General, Hans Joachim (John) Schellnhuber, and Deputy Director General, Karen Lips, met with representatives from government agencies, research institutes, universities, and NGOs to explore opportunities for collaboration on some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges.
28 January 2026
Science without borders: Brazilian Ambassador visits IIASA
IIASA recently welcomed H.E. Ambassador Eduardo Paes Saboia, Ambassador of Brazil to Austria, for a high-level visit to the Institute’s headquarters in Laxenburg. The visit provided an opportunity for an in-depth exchange on IIASA’s research portfolio and on future avenues for strengthening cooperation between IIASA and Brazilian institutions.