The Amazon Rainforest: news of drought for second year in a row

I have just learning today that the Amazon rainforest is suffering a drought. I am trying to grasp if this will happen, and if so, how catastrophic it will be. Here's the beginning of the story.

"The Amazon rainforest is at risk of turning into desert in the near future, with catastrophic consequences for the world's climate, according to research reported in The Independent newspaper this week. The process, which would be irreversible, could begin as early as next year."

Here is the link to the full article.

I am going to do some more research on it before drawing any conclusions.