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Brazilian Amazon deforestation at highest level since 2008

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has risen to its highest level in twelve years. More than 11,000 square kilometers of rainforest was lost between August 2019 and July this year, according to figures from the Brazilian space agency INPE. That is an increase of 9.5 percent compared to last year.

Brazil has, on the contrary, legislated that deforestation may not exceed 3900 square kilometers annually from 2020, much less than the area currently measured. The law has no consequences for missing that objective, but it can be used in lawsuits by environmental organizations against the government.

Researchers and environmentalists say deforestation has accelerated since President Bolsonaro took office in January last year. For example, he has called for the exploitation of the rainforest, which is home to some three million animal and plant species. Under Bolsonaro, cuts have also been made on the services that can act against violations of environmental laws.

Government not negative

Activists and NGOs say the high deforestation this year is a direct result of Bolsonaro’s policies. “They are the result of a successful attempt to destroy the capacity of the Brazilian state and the inspection agencies that can do something for our forests and against crime in the Amazon,” said the NGO Climate Observatory.

The government does not interpret the high figures negatively, because the increase in deforestation has leveled off: in 2019 an increase of 34 percent compared to the previous year was reported, much more than the 9.5 percent of this year. “While we’re not here to celebrate, it shows that our efforts are paying off,” said Vice President Mourao.

Large-scale forest fires in the Amazon were watched worldwide with horror last year. European leaders, including French President Macron, strongly criticized the Bolsonaro government for not doing enough to protect the forest. President-elect Biden said this year that the United States may put pressure on Brazil to enforce better conservation.

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