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Amazon Deforestation at Nine-Year Low
Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is at a nine-year low under Lula's presidency, but significant challenges remain in both the Amazon and Cerrado regions. The WWF cautions against complacency.
German
Germany
Human Rights ViolationsClimate ChangeLatin AmericaEnvironmentBrazilAmazonDeforestation
WwfNational Institute For Space Research (Inpe)
Luiz Inácio Lula Da SilvaJair Bolsonaro
- What is the WWF's perspective on the current situation?
- The WWF welcomes the progress but cautions against complacency. They highlight that around 20% of the original Amazon rainforest is already destroyed, and warn that reaching a 25% loss could cause irreversible damage, transforming the rainforest into a steppe.
- What is the current state of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest?
- Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has decreased to its lowest level in nine years, thanks to stricter policies implemented under President Lula da Silva. This is a positive development, but significant challenges remain.
- What other region besides the Amazon is facing deforestation issues?
- While the decrease in deforestation is encouraging, the Cerrado region still experienced significant deforestation, highlighting the need for broader conservation efforts. The WWF emphasizes that reaching a 25% loss of the rainforest could trigger a tipping point.
- What actions has President Lula da Silva taken to address deforestation?
- The reduction in deforestation is attributed to President Lula da Silva's stricter policies and increased enforcement compared to his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, who weakened environmental protections.
- Why is the protection of the Amazon rainforest important beyond climate change?
- The decreased deforestation is significant for climate change mitigation as the Amazon is a major carbon sink, but it is also vital for the protection of indigenous communities and their territories that depend on the forest.