Is the Amazon Really the Lungs of the Earth? Scientific Fact Check

The Amazon rainforest is often called the "lungs of the Earth," said to produce most of the planet’s oxygen. But how scientifically accurate is this claim? In reality, how much of the world's net oxygen comes from the Amazon? In this post, we will fact-check this concept through the origin of the expression, the exaggerations, and recent research data.

 

 

1. Why is the Amazon Called the "Lungs of the Earth"?

The Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, spans about 5.5 million km². Since the 1960s and 70s, environmentalists and media have referred to the Amazon as the "lungs of the Earth" to emphasize its conservation. However, this metaphor may not be biologically or ecologically accurate.

An educational infographic highlighting the Amazon rainforest on Earth, featuring the message that it produces about 6% of the world's oxygen and emphasizing that oceans generate more oxygen overall.

2. How Much Oxygen Does the Amazon Produce?

The Amazon contains around 10% of the world’s terrestrial biomass and generates a massive amount of oxygen through photosynthesis each year. However, here's the key point:

  • Total Oxygen Production: Claims suggest the Amazon produces 16–20% of the world’s oxygen through photosynthesis
  • But Net Oxygen Contribution is Nearly Zero – because the oxygen it produces is almost entirely consumed again through decomposition and plant respiration

In other words, while the Amazon produces a lot of oxygen, it also consumes it, so its net contribution to atmospheric oxygen is minimal.

 

 

3. Where Does Most Atmospheric Oxygen Come From?

The majority of the Earth’s atmospheric oxygen comes from the ocean, especially from cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). These microscopic organisms have been producing oxygen for billions of years and still account for over 50% of global oxygen generation.

  • Prochlorococcus: A marine microbe that contributes greatly to photosynthetic oxygen
  • Trichodesmium: Fixes nitrogen and produces oxygen simultaneously

So, the oxygen we breathe largely comes from the ocean, not forests. The Amazon, in contrast, plays a more symbolic role.

4. Why the Amazon Still Matters

  • Carbon Sink: Absorbs billions of tons of CO₂ yearly, helping mitigate climate change
  • Biodiversity: Home to over 10% of known species on Earth
  • Climate Regulation: Its transpiration affects local and global rainfall patterns

Therefore, the Amazon is more important for climate stability, ecological balance, and carbon storage than oxygen production alone.

 

 

5. Conclusion: Scientific Fact Check

  • “The Amazon produces 20% of Earth's oxygen” is an exaggeration
  • Its net oxygen contribution is close to zero
  • However, it is critical for carbon storage, climate regulation, and biodiversity

We must protect the Amazon not because it supplies us with air, but because it helps preserve the planet's climate and life-supporting systems. The phrase "lungs of the Earth" remains useful symbolically, but scientifically, we must approach it with nuanced understanding.

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