elpais.com
Brazil's Soybean Production: Environmental Disaster and Inefficiency
A recent study reveals the unsustainable and dangerous nature of Brazil's soybean production, showing a 2019% increase in pesticide use from 1993 to 2023 despite decreased efficiency, impacting the EU and other importers; this model, driven by deforestation and tax breaks for multinational corporations, threatens global environmental goals and human health.
- How do tax breaks granted to agro-industrial companies in Brazil contribute to the environmental damage caused by soybean production?
- Brazil's increased soybean production, surpassing the US since 2019, comes at the cost of deforestation in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes. The expansion of cultivated land (from 11 to 44 million hectares) outpaces productivity increases, making it the world's largest pesticide consumer (22% of global use). This intensive agriculture model, fueled by transnational corporations receiving significant tax breaks, compromises global environmental efforts and food safety.
- What are the immediate consequences of Brazil's unsustainable soybean production model on global food security and environmental protection?
- The efficiency of soybean production in Brazil has drastically decreased, with pesticide use skyrocketing 2019% from 16,000 to 349,000 tons between 1993 and 2023, resulting in a significantly lower yield per pesticide unit. This unsustainable practice, impacting the EU and other importers, involves the use of the carcinogenic glyphosate and has devastating consequences for the environment and human health.
- What long-term systemic changes are necessary in Brazil's agricultural sector to address the environmental and health concerns associated with soybean production, and what role should importing countries play?
- The unsustainable soybean production model in Brazil, marked by high pesticide use and deforestation, poses significant long-term risks. The reliance on transgenic seeds hasn't increased efficiency, contradicting industry promises. Continued dependence on this system threatens biodiversity, human health, and international efforts to mitigate climate change, demanding urgent policy changes in Brazil and import restrictions from consuming nations.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article is framed negatively from the beginning, using strong words like "inefficient," "unsustainable," and "dangerous" to describe soy production. The headline (if there were one) would likely further emphasize the negative aspects. The sequencing of information highlights the environmental damage and health risks before mentioning any economic benefits, shaping reader perception towards a strongly negative view.
Language Bias
The article uses highly charged language. Words like "venenos" (poisons), "envenena" (poisons), and repeatedly referring to pesticides as "venenos" creates a strong emotional response. The description of soy producers as 'mostly supporters of the extreme right' is also a value judgment. Neutral alternatives would include using more clinical terms for pesticides and avoiding political labels.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative impacts of Brazilian soy production, but omits potential counterarguments or perspectives from the soy industry or Brazilian government. It does not present data on the economic benefits of soy production for Brazil, nor does it explore potential mitigation strategies or sustainable soy farming practices that might be employed.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the issue as either 'unmitigated environmental disaster' or 'successful economic engine'. It ignores the possibility of finding a balance between economic growth and environmental protection. The implication is that the only options are to either completely halt soy production or accept its current destructive practices.
Gender Bias
The article doesn't exhibit overt gender bias in its language or representation. However, it lacks specific data on gender roles in soy production, which could contribute to a more complete understanding of the issue.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the significant environmental damage caused by Brazilian soy production, including deforestation of the Amazon and Cerrado biomes to expand soy cultivation. This directly impacts biodiversity, ecosystem services, and carbon sequestration, undermining efforts towards SDG 15 (Life on Land). The increased use of pesticides further contributes to soil and water contamination, harming terrestrial ecosystems.