Stanisland Magazine

New era under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sees incredible reduction of deforestation in the world’s largest rainforest.

Following the inauguration of Brazil’s ‘Lula’, according to the government, deforestation has been reduced by as much as 33%.

A precise figure will be released next month thanks to the Deter Alert System, a satellite monitoring the Amazon. The data is yet to be verified though independent analysts claim it is nothing short of “incredible”.

The news comes a year on from the removal of former President Jair Bolsanaro following victory for the opposition party led by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Bolsanaro is known for his far right-wing views, even going as far as to punish indigenous people of the Amazon for protesting logging within the area. He was a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump and open regarding his views to continue deforestation of the area.

Why is the Amazon important?

When trees are cut down, they release stores of carbon into the atmosphere. This in turn exacerbates our climatic decline and increases global heating.

Considering the Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world, the more trees that are cut down in the area means incredible amounts of carbon is ejected. This in turn prevents heat from escaping the planet.

How much of the Amazon rainforest is left?

Researchers suggest as much as 20% of the Amazon has been logged and that the point of no return will be approximately 25%.

If nothing is done, nearly 30% of its rainforest will be left without tree flora. This is also hastened by out of control wildfires caused by both anthropogenic climate change and fires set by loggers.

Every biosphere has a knock on effect for the other, especially when we consider migrating birds, bacteria and the food that sustains them. Biodiversity within the area will rapidly decrease and potentially cause an environmental disaster.

Image by Ivars Utināns