Amazon deforestation rate rockets
Date: 24/01/2008
The Rainforest Foundation (RFUK) has condemned the massive increase in the Amazon’s deforestation rate following the Brazilian government’s announcement yesterday that an estimated 3,235 square kilometres have been lost in the last five months.
“This is devastating for a country which already has the highest tree loss on the planet.” said Simon Counsell, RFUK Director. “This announcement comes despite global recognition that deforestation is the second largest cause of global warming.”
These preliminary estimates could escalate to 7,000 square kilometres once all satellite images are reviewed, according to the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment.
The Brazilian government said accelerated destruction rates could be influenced by price rises in commodities such as soya beans as farmers destroy rainforests to plant crops.
“However, even among the ashes of Brazil’s rainforests, there is reason for optimism, said Counsell.
An area the size of Belgium that RFUK helped to protect in the 1990s now stands out as an island of green in a sea of destruction.
Satellite images clearly demonstrate that the areas of forest that are surviving the onslaught of soya farmers, timber companies and cattle ranchers, are those that have been legally designated as territories for indigenous people.
“RFUK has long argued that the strongest hope of conserving rainforests lies with the local communities living in and around the forest,” Counsell said. “These images are proving us right.”
“This is devastating for a country which already has the highest tree loss on the planet.” said Simon Counsell, RFUK Director. “This announcement comes despite global recognition that deforestation is the second largest cause of global warming.”
These preliminary estimates could escalate to 7,000 square kilometres once all satellite images are reviewed, according to the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment.
The Brazilian government said accelerated destruction rates could be influenced by price rises in commodities such as soya beans as farmers destroy rainforests to plant crops.
“However, even among the ashes of Brazil’s rainforests, there is reason for optimism, said Counsell.
An area the size of Belgium that RFUK helped to protect in the 1990s now stands out as an island of green in a sea of destruction.
Satellite images clearly demonstrate that the areas of forest that are surviving the onslaught of soya farmers, timber companies and cattle ranchers, are those that have been legally designated as territories for indigenous people.
“RFUK has long argued that the strongest hope of conserving rainforests lies with the local communities living in and around the forest,” Counsell said. “These images are proving us right.”
