In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Brazil's environment ministry said this was the first step in achieving its zero deforestation goal.
The rate of deforestation in Brazil's Amazon fell by nearly 50% in 2023 compared to the previous year, space agency data suggests.
Brazil's environment ministry said it was the lowest recorded deforestation rate in the last five years.
Though smaller than in previous years, the deforested area is still more than six times the size of New York City.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pledged to end deforestation by 2030 when he took office a year ago.
Preliminary data from national space agency Inpe showed 5,153 sq km (1,989.6 sq miles) of the Amazon were cleared in 2023, down from 10,278 sq km in 2022.
President Lula promised to restore the Amazon rainforest and chase down climate criminals during his speech at climate summit COP27 in 2022.
Rainforest destruction had surged to a 12-year high under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.
It also stated that the government remained committed to combating illegal practices in the Amazon.
Growing inspection efforts by environment watchdog Ibama were key in bringing about the fall, the environment ministry added.
Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva said the falling rate was a "reflection" of Ibama's ongoing work in the rainforest.
The Amazon is a crucial battleground in the global fight against climate change.
It is often called "the lungs of the planet" due to its essential role in the planet's oxygen and carbon dioxide cycles.
The rainforest is home to about three million species of plants and animals, and one million indigenous people.
Around 60% of it is located in Brazil.
SOURCE: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-67962297.amp
Today's quote:
The Super Bowl is a massive extravaganza of sports, music, and (for those watching on TV) advertisements. Worldwide, sports and sporting events emit as much as a medium-sized country -- so it’s encouraging to hear that all the electricity that ran Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas came from a 621,000-panel solar farm in the Nevada desert. The Las Vegas Raiders have a 25-year contract with NV Energy, the company that owns the solar farm, CBS News reported.
Katharine Hayhoe in her weekly "Talking Climate Newsletter"
It is sad to see the rainforest disappearing. I hope the promise to restore the Amazon rainforest is kept.
ReplyDeleteTake care, have a great day!
...this is vital.
ReplyDeleteI hope the world is making progress!
ReplyDeleteIt has been going on for so long. I was covering this in class almost 40 years ago.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, I'm very glad that the rate of rainforest degradation has slowed in Brazil. I wish the government the best with this effort but poor people will do what they feel they need to to survive and the greedy among us never have enough wealth. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
ReplyDelete