Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has increased by 85% since the previous year, according to a study by the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research. The forest lost over 1,345 square miles of cover from August 2018 to July 2019, largely due to agriculture, mining, infrastructure developments and political decisions. The Amazon is a significant carbon sink but deforestation releases large amounts of carbon, accelerating climate change. The forest is also home to over 10% of the world’s known species, while indigenous communities depend on it for livelihoods. Sustainable agriculture and land use practices, eco-tourism initiatives, government enforcement and alternative economic development can all reduce deforestation.
Study reveals alarming rate of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest
The Amazon rainforest is one of the most important carbon sinks on the planet, and its deforestation is considered to be one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Recently, a study conducted by the Brazilian government shows alarming deforestation rates in the Amazon rainforest.
According to the study conducted by the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE), deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has increased by 85% since the previous year. The study also showed that the Amazon lost over 1,345 square miles of forest cover from August 2018 to July 2019. This rapid deforestation in the Amazon is a significant threat to climate change, indigenous communities, and other wildlife.
Reasons behind deforestation
There are several reasons behind the alarming rate of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. The primary reason is land use change to plant crops, mainly soy and cattle farming, which contribute to the majority of deforestation in the region. Commercial logging, mining activities, and infrastructure developments, such as the construction of roads, dams, and hydroelectric plants, and human settlements, are also responsible for deforestation.
Another crucial factor contributing to deforestation in the Amazon is political decisions. The current Brazilian President, Jair Bolsonaro, has shown his support for the agribusiness industry by rolling back environmental protections and cutting funding for environmental agencies. The INPE study showed a significant increase in deforestation in the Amazon since Bolsonaro took office in January.
Impact of deforestation
Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has far-reaching implications for the environment, biodiversity, and indigenous communities.
Forests act as carbon sinks by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Deforestation in the Amazon releases large quantities of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the Amazon alone stores 86 billion metric tons of carbon, which is equivalent to four to five years of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Deforestation also impacts biodiversity. The Amazon rainforest is home to over 10% of the world’s known species, and deforestation poses a threat to their survival. Approximately 137 species of plants, animals, and insects become extinct every day due to deforestation, a figure that could rise even higher in the Amazon.
Indigenous communities in the Amazon rely on the forest for their livelihoods and are vulnerable to the impacts of deforestation. The deforestation of their ancestral land threatens their cultural practices, food security, and displacement, among other challenges.
What can we do?
There are several ways individuals and organizations can contribute to the preservation of the Amazon rainforest. Supporting sustainable agriculture and land use practices can help to reduce deforestation. Boycotting companies involved in deforestation and supporting eco-tourism initiatives can also contribute to the protection of the rainforest.
Governments can increase funding and enforcement of laws that protect the Amazon rainforest. Investing in alternative economic activities, such as renewable energy, can also help to reduce deforestation in the region.
Despite the alarming rate of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, there are still opportunities for conservation and preservation of this vital ecosystem. It is everyone’s responsibility to take action and contribute to this global effort.
FAQs
Q: How does deforestation in the Amazon affect climate change?
A: Deforestation in the Amazon releases large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change. The Amazon rainforest is one of the most important carbon sinks on the planet, and its deforestation is considered to be one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Q: What is the primary reason for deforestation in the Amazon?
A: The primary reason for deforestation in the Amazon is land use change to plant crops, mainly soy and cattle farming.
Q: What is the impact of deforestation on indigenous communities in the Amazon?
A: Indigenous communities rely on the forest for their livelihoods and are vulnerable to the impacts of deforestation. The deforestation of their ancestral land threatens their cultural practices, food security, and displacement, among other challenges.
Q: What can individuals and organizations do to contribute to the preservation of the Amazon rainforest?
A: Supporting sustainable agriculture and land use practices can help to reduce deforestation. Boycotting companies involved in deforestation and supporting eco-tourism initiatives can also contribute to the protection of the rainforest. Governments can increase funding and enforcement of laws that protect the Amazon rainforest. Investing in alternative economic activities, such as renewable energy, can also help to reduce deforestation in the region.
