The Complexity of the Amazon Region

The Amazon region is at once mysterious and contentious. In this talk we take a long view of the region, examining what is known about it in terms of its geography and ecology, and unpacking some of the long-held beliefs/myths about it. It is a place of vast biodiversity providing environmental services to the world, while also holding considerable agricultural, mineral, and energy potential. But it is also a place of cultural and economic diversity where local people struggle to make a living. After examining the basics of the region, and exploring the contradictions that are played out there, we will also review recent research that reveals significant long term human agency in the composition of the forest, its soils, and landforms. This presentation concludes by exploring the implications of this new research for the future of conservation and development of the region.