Riding the Amazonian Tsunami: Surfing Against Time

In the Amazon, as Brazilian surfer Sergio Laus rides the legendary pororoca waves, he worries about their dwindling size. Climate change and environmental damage threaten these natural marvels. Despite their decline, Laus remains hopeful that global attention and summits will reignite the world's interest in preserving these powerful tidal bores.

Deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the might of the region's rivers, combined with the moon's gravitational influence, creates waves that can stretch for dozens of miles. Renowned Brazilian surfer Sergio Laus is concerned that the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation threaten these natural wonders.

On an April morning, under a departing supermoon, Laus trekked along the Mearim River at the Amazon's eastern tip. He surfed Brazil's last significant 'pororoca' to draw attention to their plight. These two-meter-high waves, forming as the river squeezes between dense mangroves, continue to mesmerize him despite shrinking to half their original height.

Laus observes that the waves are a fraction of those he once surfed on the Araguari River, impacted by agricultural erosion and dam constructions. He laments the changes, hoping that a forthcoming global climate summit in Belem will spark renewed hope. The pororocas, known for their thunderous clash, are now weaker, with studies indicating climate change is affecting the delicate balance maintaining their intensity.

(With inputs from agencies.)